Attorney Oscar A. Butler has joined the Knox County Law Department as a deputy law director under David Buuck and has been assigned as special counsel to Sheriff Brent Gibson and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Gibson announced the hire on September 29, 2026.
Butler will fill the role of attorney Mike Ruble who retired. Also leaving was former Atty. Gen. Randy Nichols who had worked for Sheriffs J.J. Jones and Tom Spangler.
Butler graduated from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law in 2019 and began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in the Knox County District Attorney’s Office. There, he prosecuted misdemeanor and felony cases in General Sessions and Criminal Court.
In 2023, he transitioned to private practice, beginning at a criminal defense firm before opening his own firm in 2026. “Oscar’s diverse legal background, deep understanding of Knox County’s criminal justice system, and commitment to serving his community make him a great resource for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office,” said Gibson.
Butler was born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and came to East Tennessee in 2011 when he attended Maryville College. Oscar and his wife, Sarah, currently live in Halls with their daughter, Olivia, and their dog, Remmi.
Brent Gibson
This employment arrangement reverses a practice started by former Sheriff Tim Hutchison some 25 years ago in which he disregarded the law director’s office and simply hired lawyers for his staff. As this writer observed here, (scroll down to “Plucking the Flock”) this practice put contracts such as the Flock surveillance cameras at risk since the county charter requires all county contracts to be reviewed by the law department.
Thanks, Brent Gibson, for clearing this up. The sheriff’s office might be in less trouble today if it had made an effort to comply with state law and the county charter. Next item to consider: Turn that drug money over to the county and have it appropriated by the county commission. Too much money, too little accounting can lead to temptation.
Business News
Jenny Boyd at the Jig & Reel.
Randy Boyd posted congratulations to his wife, Jenny Boyd, on the 15th anniversary of Boyd’s Jig & Reel, an Old City anchor. “She had the vision to preserve and promote our musical heritage while enjoying great music, food and fellowship and has succeeded in every way,” he wrote. “15 years of cherished memories and decades more to come.”
Chuck Morris has launched Studio 302. Meeting spaces for rent when a coffee shop is not enough. Affordable. Convenient at 555 W. Jackson Ave., Suite 302, in the former Southeastern Glass Building across from Balter Beerworks. Info: hello@studio302.co or 865-637-9869
Ruvalcaba
Claudia Mata Ruvalcaba is the East Tennessee Community Organizer at the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition TIRRC. “We’re building power in every corner of this state, and as a longtime member, I’m honored to officially join the team. As an immigrant, a naturalized citizen, this moment means more to me than I can put into words,” she posted.
Ruvalcaba has worked with Centro Hispano de East TN. She attends Austin Peay University (Class of 2027), majoring in criminal justice. Reach her at Claudia@tnimmigrant.org or Claudia@tirrcvotes.org or 865-304-7178.
Notes & quotes
Hillcrest Healthcare Foundation is seeking sponsors for its annual golf tournament, to be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Avalon Golf & Country Club in Lenoir City. Learn more here.
Outdoor Knoxville lists hundreds of activities, many free, all outdoors.
Quote: “I feel optimistic about the midterm elections, just over five weeks away. But my stomach aches when I think of what’s at stake. Call me nauseously optimistic.” – Robert Reich, on his Substack blog.
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Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes the Let’s Talk series for KnoxTNToday – Let’s Talk – Leaders archive. Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Get daily articles in one place with our free newsletter. Send comments to news@knoxtntoday.com/.
