McLeese Enters Guilty Plea to Sexual Battery, Providing Alcohol To Minor
From the Jul 22, 2025 e-Edition
PARIS, Tenn. (July 21, 2025) – At a plea hearing held at the Henry County Jail this afternoon, Travis McLeese of Paris entered a ‘blind plea’ of guilty to all three charges before Circuit Court Judge Bruce Griffey: two counts of sexual battery and one count of purchasing alcoholic beverages or beer for a minor. A ‘blind plea’ is entered by a defendant without a plea agreement with the prosecution, leaving the sentencing decision entirely up to the judge.
McLeese is the former director of the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. He was indicted by a grand jury in March on those charges.
Sentencing was set for September 22 and he was ordered to remain in jail until then. Bond had been denied at his last court appearance after he was arrested for DUI in June. The DUI case is being heard in General Sessions Court.
At today’s hearing, Morgan Greer appeared for the state and McLeese was represented by Daniel Taylor.
In the e-Edition
McKenzie Banner July 22, 2025
Jul 22, 2025 · Read the full issue →
Related Stories
Marriage Licenses
Jaden Kyle Brewer, 22, of McKenzie to Jetta Victoria Grace Latch, 23, of McKenzie. Elvis Jay Williams Jr., 37, of Hollow Rock, to Randi Leigh King, 37, of Camden.
Nov 17, 2026
Weakley County Schools Issues Statement Following Student's Death
DRESDEN (November 13) — Weakley County Schools released a statement Friday following the death of a high school student. The district has not identified the student out of respect for the family.
Nov 13, 2026
Higher Voter Turnout Produces Close Races, Unseats Incumbents
WEST TENNESSEE (November 3) — Higher voter turnout in Carroll, Henry and Weakley counties returned some incumbents to office and unseated others in municipal contests marked by turnover in Bruceton, Trezevant, Martin and Paris and a one-vote mayoral finish in Greenfield.
Nov 10, 2026
Lila Ruth’s Opens in Downtown McKenzie with Focus on Community
McKENZIE (November 10) — Downtown McKenzie welcomed a new addition on Tuesday, November 10, as Lila Ruth’s officially opened its doors at 2336 Cedar Avenue. Owners Ryan and Lisa Griffin, joined by their son, Isaac, marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a large crowd of well-wishers.
Nov 10, 2026
