DA fires prosecutor for alleged racist social media posts under 'Southern Appalacholic' username
Knox County, Tennessee, District Attorney General Charme Allen announced Monday that she fired an assistant prosecutor because of his alleged social media posts and reposts that praised Nazis and disparaged Black people and immigrants. (Photo from the Knox County, Tennessee, district attorney general’s office)
An assistant prosecutor in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been fired because of his alleged social media posts and reposts that praised Nazis and disparaged Black people and immigrants.
Knox County, Tennessee, District Attorney General Charme Allen announced Monday that she fired Assistant District Attorney Berkley Mason because of online statements that undermine her confidence in his ability to administer justice and impartially carry out his duties.
Allen fired Mason after Knox News asked her office about posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, that contained “vile racist and sexist messages,” Knox News reports here, here and here.
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Mason allegedly posted under the username “Southern Appalacholic.” According to Knox News, his posts and reposts “go beyond what most would consider political statements and include references endorsing Nazism and the killing of migrants and blaming Black people for America’s problems.”
Mason, a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, began working with the district attorney’s office in October 2024, according to Knox News. He became a licensed lawyer the same year.
One post by Southern Appalacholic account read, “We need more migrant killers and less killer migrants.” Another post commented on a reference to something that “reeks of Nazism” by a user calling themself “Canadian Patriot.”
Southern Appalacholic replied, “If that’s the case then cool. HH. 1488. We’re going to put you in a camp. Happy now?”
According to Knox News, “HH” often refers to “Heil Hitler,” the greeting given as part of the Nazi salute, and “1488” is a white supremacist symbol.
Allen highlighted another post in her statement. It said: “What ever reason we can make up to get as many of them out as possible. … Whatever means necessary.”
That post by Mason indicates a willingness to make up false evidence and circumvent the law to achieve a goal by “whatever means necessary,” Allen said.
Allen added that she is ordering a review of cases handled by Mason and “will take appropriate corrective action if necessary.”
Mason did not immediately reply to an ABA Journal email seeking comment sent to an address with the district attorney’s office. An email sent to an address found online was returned as undeliverable. A Journal phone call placed to a number found online yielded a message that the mailbox was full.
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