The Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton, Tennessee, was shut down late last week over coronavirus concerns involving the General Sessions Court judge, then reopened Monday, with the exception of his courtroom.
Rhea County General Sessions and Juvenile Judge J. Shannon Garrison has not been in court this week due to unspecified coronavirus concerns, according to 12th Judicial District Attorney General Mike Taylor. Taylor said he didn’t know whether Garrison tested positive for the virus or was just concerned about possible exposure.
Garrison notified court officials about the matter Oct. 21, Taylor said, so the courthouse was closed the rest of the week by the county executive.
Rhea County Circuit Court and General Sessions Court Clerk Jamie Holloway said the closure Thursday and Friday was for cleaning because of coronavirus concerns inside the courthouse. Holloway didn’t elaborate further.
No one answered calls or return messages left at Garrison’s judge’s office or his private office on Thursday.