RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - An appeal has been filed in a Rutherford County case involving statutory rape by an authority figure and sexual battery by an authority figure. The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals recently reviewed the challenges brought forward by Shamone Davis, who was previously convicted on multiple counts following an investigation into his conduct with a juvenile victim.
The original circumstances leading to the conviction centered on a series of incidents that occurred between 2016 and 2020. During the 4-year time frame in which the assaults occurred, Davis would have been 37-years-old while the victim was only 13.
Court documents show that Davis was in a long-term relationship with the mother of the victim and they lived together in Murfreesboro. At night, he had extensive time alone with the juvenile and her siblings, because he watched the children at night while the mother was at work.
Testimony from the trial revealed that Davis used his position of trust to engage in sexual contact with the young teenager. The abuse came to light when the juvenile victim’s mother discovered the two in a suspicious situation, leading to a disclosure by the victim and a subsequent forensic interview at the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County.
In his appeal, Davis raised several arguments, with one claim suggesting his trial attorney failed to properly investigate witnesses and prepare him for testimony. He also challenged the admission of testimony regarding a firearm he removed from the home and hearsay statements made by the victim to others. Topping off his argument, he claimed that what amounted to a 30-year sentence was excessive.
The appellate court, led by Judge Timothy L. Easter, conducted a thorough review of the trial record and the evidence presented during a motion for a new trial. The court found that the trial counsel’s decisions—such as not calling specific character witnesses—were based on reasonable trial strategy. Additionally, the court determined the evidence was sufficient to support the jury’s findings and that the trial judge acted within his discretion when imposing the sentence.
In a filing released by the Clerk of the Appellate Courts on Monday April 6, 2026, the court officially affirmed the judgments of the Rutherford County Circuit Court, upholding the 30-year sentence and all convictions against Davis.
The 47-year-old subject is currently behind bars at a Tennessee Department of Corrections facility. Information from the state confirm Davis will be 73 by the time his sentence comes to a close. However, reports indicate he may be eligible for parole in as little as 5-years on April 27, 2031.
While most of his convictions came with sentences that began immediately, two of his convictions won't start until his current sentences end, meaning he has one ten year sentence set to start in 2032 and a second that will be placed into motion 10-years later on April 26, 2042.
