Hamilton County District Attorney Neal Pinkston defended his marriage to a subordinate in his office on Thursday, saying his management decisions are “both legal and ethical.”
The Times Free Press on Thursday reported that Pinkston married his chief of staff, Melydia Clewell, in November 2019, getting a marriage certificate in Marion County that drew no attention in Hamilton County.
Tennessee law forbids state employees from supervising relatives, and much of Pinkston’s office – including salaries for both Clewell and her brother – is funded by the state, as part of the state system of justice.
“After working for years together, Melydia Clewell and I discovered we had more than simply our shared interest in our jobs,” Pinkston’s statement said. “As many other people have discovered, a mature love can develop over time between friends, and that is what happened in our lives. Marriage is a private matter, but as I plan to seek re-election as district attorney, I’m happy to tell you that Melydia and I have committed our lives in marriage. We are blessed.”
He did not mention Kerry Clewell, his brother-in-law, or explain how the man came to be employed as an investigator.