Knox County Prosecutor Fired Over Controversial Social Media Posts

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Berkley Mason, an assistant district attorney in Knox County, was fired on Monday due to troubling social media posts that raised questions about his ability to prosecute cases fairly. Charme Allen, the Knox County District Attorney General, made the announcement after reviewing Mason’s online activity.

Allen’s statement revealed that Mason maintained a social media account where he made significant concerning remarks, including, “What ever reason we can make up to get as many of them out as possible… Whatever means necessary.” According to Allen, such statements suggest a willingness to create false evidence and circumvent the law.

In her statement, Allen expressed her loss of confidence in Mason’s capability to uphold his oath as a prosecutor, emphasizing that prosecutors must administer justice impartially. “It is imperative that prosecutors in my office be moral, ethical, fair-minded persons,” she stated.

Mason joined the district attorney’s office in October 2024, after graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Law. He was a member of the prosecution team in Division 2 of the Knox County Criminal Court, handling a variety of cases.

Allen has been proactive in maintaining ethical standards within her office. Just last October, she suspended former Assistant DA Robert DeBusk after accusations of perjury, prior to his resignation.

Mason’s online posts have faced scrutiny after a local news outlet, Knox News, inquired about his conduct. The paper reported that Mason, under the username “Southern Appalacholic,” shared posts that praised Nazism, disparaged Black individuals and immigrants, and were considered vile and racist.

Some posts included inflammatory comments about migrants and references associated with white supremacy. Allen stated that a review of Mason’s previous cases would take place, and further corrective actions would be considered if necessary. Mason did not respond to requests for comment.