HARTFORD — The state commission that oversees the public defenders issued a blistering report that lays bare a litany of allegations against its embattled chief.
Chief Public Defender TaShun Bowden-Lewis faces a disciplinary hearing next week when she could be removed from office.
The 26-page report, a culmination of mounting tensions and internal strife, details 16 charges leveled against Bowden-Lewis and “form the basis of the Commission’s belief that there is just cause for your removal as Chief Public Defender.”
These charges span a spectrum of concerns, from accusations of improper conduct to allegations of retaliation and favoritism within the division. Among the most troubling allegations is Bowden-Lewis’ purported directive for an IT staff member to access the emails of high-ranking colleagues, an act perceived as a breach of trust and a violation of privacy.
Last February, the commission voted unanimously to place Bowden-Lewis on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into her allegedly ordering an IT staff member to access dozens of emails belonging to top colleagues.
“The commission has decided to place the chief public defender on administrative leave with pay effective immediately pending investigation by the commission into certain conduct that alleged could be grounds for disciplinary action,” commission Chairman Richard Palmer said at the time.
In addition, the commission issued to Bowden-Lewis a written reprimand last October for what it said was “inappropriate and unacceptable” conduct during her time in office.
The commission issued the five-page reprimand in October that laid out nine areas of concern, from making unfounded allegations of racial discrimination to neglecting low morale within the division.
Bowden-Lewis’ confrontational approach toward the commission itself has only exacerbated tensions, with her refusal to recognize its authority and persistent claims of discrimination falling flat in the face of investigation findings to the contrary.
This adversarial dynamic has stymied communication and cooperation, further eroding confidence in her leadership.
The report’s findings underscore a troubling pattern of misconduct and dysfunction within the division under Bowden-Lewis’ stewardship. It highlights a culture of fear and intimidation, where dissent is stifled and loyalty is rewarded, perpetuating a cycle of discord and disarray.
The charges lay out issues staff and the commission faced under Bowden-Lewis, including more information about the accessing of emails of division staff and the commission chairman.
In its charges, the commission noted division employees are not afforded a reasonable expectation of privacy in their division-issued email accounts. However, they can reasonably expect that their emails will not be secretly accessed for improper purposes.
While a chief public defender is permitted to conduct email searches without an employee’s knowledge if there is valid cause, such as suspicion of improper use or evidence of wrongdoing.
Despite these guidelines, Bowden-Lewis directed a division IT employee to access emails of Attorney Deborah Del Prete Sullivan, the division’s legal counsel, and Attorney Joseph Lopez, who is head of the division’s complex litigation unit and a critic of Bowden-Lewis, without their knowledge on multiple occasions.
In addition, Bowden-Lewis directed the same IT employee to conduct searches of the chairman’s emails without his knowledge.
Other charges include:
- Accusations by former HR director Erin Ryan that Bowden-Lewis engaged in misconduct aimed at making her working conditions so unbearable that she would resign. An investigation by the law firm Shipman & Goodwin found that Bowden-Lewis favored another candidate, Paula Lohr, for a position and took actions to undermine Ryan’s appointment, despite her qualifications. The report concluded that Bowden-Lewis’ behavior toward Ryan, which included undermining her and treating her disrespectfully, violated the division’s policies on professionalism and respectful conduct. As a result, Ryan resigned and Lohr was appointed to the position.
- Attorney Sullivan has been serving as legal counsel, providing advice to the Division and the Commission since 1994. Despite her long-standing role, Bowden-Lewis refused to acknowledge her authority as counsel to the commission, leading to distrust and hostility. Instances of Bowden-Lewis’ improper conduct include displaying hostility toward Sullivan during meetings, imposing unreasonable reporting requirements on her and excluding her from crucial meetings related to her responsibilities. Bowden-Lewis also directed unauthorized searches of her emails, which the Commission found unjustified. Bowden-Lewis issued a letter of reprimand to Sullivan, later retracted by the Commission, suggesting it was unjustified and possibly retaliatory. Overall, Bowden-Lewis’ actions toward Sullivan appear to be driven by personal animosity and a desire to undermine her role.
- Attorney Joseph Lopez, the sole attorney in the Complex Litigation Unit, has repeatedly requested authorization for a second attorney, which Bowden-Lewis consistently denied. Lopez publicly criticized Bowden-Lewis’ leadership, prompting accusations that Bowden-Lewis’ refusal to approve a second attorney is retaliatory. Despite directives from the Commission, Bowden-Lewis obstructed efforts to fill the position and misled Lopez about her intentions. Bowden-Lewis also conducted unauthorized searches of Lopez’s emails, suggesting vindictive motives. Bowden-Lewis’ actions, including failure to investigate Lopez’s complaints and preferential treatment of other staff, have been deemed unfair and improper.
- The Shipman & Goodwin report revealed a troubling pattern of misconduct during Bowden-Lewis’ tenure as Chief Public Defender, creating a climate of fear and intimidation within the Division. The report highlighted preferential treatment for those perceived as loyal to Bowden-Lewis, while dissenting voices are marginalized and subjected to unfair treatment. Retaliatory actions, including resource allocation based on loyalty, baseless accusations of racism, and closed-door policies, have fostered a culture of fear and mistrust. Despite claims of nonpunitive actions, Bowden-Lewis’ retaliatory practices are evident, leading to pervasive fear of criticism or disagreement.
- After Bowden-Lewis’ appointment as Chief Public Defender, she clashed with the Commission, refusing to recognize its broad oversight authority over the public defender system. Despite counsel and advice urging compliance, Bowden-Lewis persisted in challenging the Commission’s authority, even accusing it of micromanagement and overstepping its bounds. Her adversarial stance led to a breakdown in communication and cooperation with the Commission.
- Bowden-Lewis’ repeated claims of discrimination and retaliation against the Commission are not supported by evidence and have been found to be baseless. Despite the Commission’s efforts to work cooperatively with the chief public defender, she consistently rejected its authority and alleged discriminatory behavior on their part. However, investigations and reports have concluded that the Commission’s actions have been within their statutory mandate and in the best interests of the Division.
