Former Johnson County judge sentenced to jail, probation

MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Former Johnson County judge Perry Stout was sentenced to a year in jail after pleading guilty to money laundering and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

In addition to one year in jail, Stout was also sentenced to seven years of probation. While serving his jail sentence, Stout will not be eligible for work release.

Stout will report to the Johnson County Jail on June 1.

“I’ve done wrong. Realize I have to be punished,” Stout said during Thursday’s sentencing hearing. “I’ve lost a career, a retirement, and the respect of so many people.”

The former judge pleaded guilty to the money laundering and marijuana charges and waived his right to a trial in January.

Stout previously admitted in court to helping fund a marijuana trafficking operation, which involved a man named Gary Marshall, and to using the profits from that operation to fund his 2022 judge campaign and other things.

Several people testified during Thursday’s hearing, including Marshall, who had provided information to authorities.

“He approached me, started talking and then asked me, ‘Was there money in it?’ And I said, ‘Well yeah,'” Marshall said.

Stout took the stand and said he regrets his actions and is embarrassed by them.

“I authorized Gary to buy THC products,” Stout said. “I invested in that. And that was wrong. I didn’t realize that having him re-invest the profits was money laundering. That was wrong as well.”

Three people also spoke as character witnesses on Stout’s behalf. Norman Miller called Stout “a good guy.” Carl Howard said that “everyone deserves a second chance.” Reeves Snyder said he believes Stout “is ready to walk the straight life.”

News Channel 11 asked Stout’s attorney about filing an appeal but was told that Stout is ready to move on and likely won’t appeal.

Stout resigned as general sessions and juvenile court judge in June 2023. Stout’s wife, Pamela Stout, was also arrested in the investigation and charged with three drug conspiracy counts, maintaining a dwelling for sale or use of narcotics, and filing a false report.

Pamela Stout’s case is pending in general sessions court and there is an agreement that she’ll receive probation and judicial diversion on a misdemeanor. Judicial diversion comes when a defendant is eligible and applies after pleading guilty, and meets requirements set by a judge.

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