John Whatley v. State of Tennessee

The Appellant, John Whatley, appeals the judgment of the Maury County Circuit Court denying post-conviction relief. Whatley is currently serving an eleven-year sentence in the Department of Correction as a result of his conviction for aggravated sexual battery. On appeal, Whatley argues that he was denied his Sixth Amendment right to the effective assistance of counsel, specifically arguing that trial counsel was ineffective in: (1) “failing to adequately consult with and prepare [Whatley] for trial”; (2) failing to present a potential defense witness at trial; (3) opening the door for the introduction of prejudicial testimony; and (4) failing to properly preserve a conflict of interest issue for appeal. After review, the judgment of the post-conviction court is affirmed.