Connecticut’s top public defender, TaShun Bowden-Lewis, is fighting to keep her job amidst allegations of misconduct. The oversight commission is considering whether to fire her for creating a hostile work environment and improperly accessing emails.
Bowden-Lewis and her lawyer appeared before the state Public Defender Services Commission to deny the 16 misconduct allegations lodged against her. The commission deferred a decision on possible discipline to allow Bowden-Lewis and her attorney to call and question witnesses.
The allegations against Bowden-Lewis include accusations of racism against those who disagreed with her, as well as improperly accessing emails of staff and the commission chairman. Despite the allegations, Bowden-Lewis maintains that an independent investigation report did not find discrimination or harassment by her.
The commission reprimanded Bowden-Lewis in October and placed her on paid administrative leave in February after the public defenders’ union expressed no confidence in her leadership. The commission outlined a series of allegations and reasons for her potential firing, citing an independent investigation by a law firm.
Supporters of Bowden-Lewis, including many wearing red, showed up at the hearing to show their support. Bowden-Lewis, the first Black person to serve as the state’s chief public defender, emphasized her commitment to the agency and her desire to continue in her role.
The public defenders’ office has more than 400 employees who serve lower-income individuals in criminal and other cases. The next hearing date has not been set as Bowden-Lewis fights to keep her job and prove her innocence amidst the allegations.