Connecticut Chief Public Defender TaShun Bowden-Lewis

Connecticut Chief Public Defender TaShun Bowden-Lewis has been fired. Her less than two-year tenure was marked by turmoil in the division, including the resignation of all but one commission member due to ongoing conflict.

Connecticut Chief Public Defender TaShun Bowden-Lewis’ efforts to diversify her agency have received backlash from within it. Now she’s speaking out.

TaShun Bowden-Lewis, Connecticut’s first Black female chief public defender, was sworn into office at the state Supreme Court in Hartford on Thursday.