Mason Edwards

Mason Edwards is a criminal justice reporter with a focus on the courts at the Chattanooga Times Free Press, where he started as an intern in August 2024 before being hired full-time to cover breaking news in June 2025. Originally from Dayton, Tennessee, Mason is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he earned a degree in Communication with minors in Criminal Justice and Rhetoric & Professional Writing.

Contact courts reporter Mason Edwards at medwards@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6409.

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Ex-NFL player accused of murder in Ooltewah had assault charges in Ohio, Florida

by Mason Edwards ·February 10, 2026

Alleged victim in local case paid court costs tied to earlier domestic violence accusations

New York Jets first-round draft pick Darron Lee of Ohio State poses for photographs before a press conference in Florham Park, N.J. (AP File Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Settlement talks stall in case against Jonathan Frost’s parents

by Mason Edwards ·February 7, 2026

Attorneys for former Chattanooga accountant Jonathan Frost's parents said in a new court filing that they do not anticipate being able to reach a settlement for an alleged fraudulent transfer claim, according to court records.

Staff file photo / Steve Frost signs paperwork at a foreclosure auction after his firm bought a property linked to his son, Jonathan Frost.

Former NFL player accused of murder told police girlfriend may have slipped in shower

by Mason Edwards ·February 7, 2026

The former NFL player from Chattanooga who has been arrested on murder and tampering charges in Ooltewah allegedly told police his girlfriend may have slipped in the shower.

FILE - Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Darron Lee (50) plays against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sept. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

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Court date set for former Chattanooga accountant to plead guilty to federal financial crimes

by Mason Edwards ·February 6, 2026

Former Chattanooga accountant Jonathan Frost, who has signed a plea agreement for three federal financial crimes and could then owe the government at least $70 million, is scheduled to appear for a plea hearing at 2 p.m. Wednesday in federal court.

Contributed photo/ Pat Hilton, left, said he invested $200,000 into the hydrogen plant venture run by the Chattanooga accountant Jonathan Frost, right. Like several other of Frost's former clients and investors, he suspected his money may have gone into a Ponzi scheme.

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Life Care faces its third lawsuit in recent months over unpaid overtime

by Mason Edwards ·February 5, 2026

A third lawsuit in recent months against Life Care Centers of America, alleging the company owes unpaid overtime, was filed in Chattanooga federal district court.

Staff file photo / Life Care Center of Athens is seen in Athens, Tenn. The Cleveland, Tenn.-based long-term care provider is defending itself against three lawsuits filed in the federal court in recent months.

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Man accused of fatal hit-and-run was convicted in 1998 one-punch death in Chattanooga

by Mason Edwards ·February 5, 2026

Single blow was powerful enough to crack victim’s skull, archived reporting says

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office / Carlos Demetrius Harris, 55.

Woman who killed Chattanooga police officer in 2019 hit-and-run asks for parole

by Mason Edwards ·February 4, 2026

The woman sentenced to 11 years in prison for the fatal hit-and-run of a Chattanooga police officer asked for early release at her second parole hearing Wednesday.

Staff photo by Mason Edwards / Janet Hinds, 61, asks for early supervised release at her second parole hearing after she was convicted for vehicular homicide by intoxication in the death of a Chattanooga police officer.

Second Chattanooga man accused in murder of 18-year-old on Jackson Avenue

by Mason Edwards ·February 4, 2026

Police arrested a second Chattanooga man in connection with a fatal shooting on Jackson Avenue in December.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office / Milik Woodley, 22.

Man charged after December fatal hit-and-run of man in wheelchair

by Mason Edwards ·February 4, 2026

Police arrested one of the two drivers tied to the fatal Rossville Boulevard hit-and-run of a 61-year-old man using a wheelchair in December.

Jason Chen’s lawyer requests, gets more time for new trial motion

by Mason Edwards ·February 4, 2026

A hearing to determine whether Jason Chen is legally entitled to a new trial has been set for May 4 after his attorney Wednesday asked for more time to file a motion.