Davidson County District Attorney General Victor S. (Torry) Johnson, III, was elected to his third eight-year term as Nashville’s top prosecutor. It is a position he has held since 1987, when he was first appointed to the post by the Governor.

After graduating from Vanderbilt Law School, Johnson spent one year as a law clerk to a federal appeals court judge before joining the staff of the District Attorney’s office.  He rose through various office assignments, eventually heading up the Special Prosecution Unit that targeted career criminals.  After working there for several years, he went into private practice.  He later returned to the District Attorney’s office as an Assistant DA and Team Leader, before assuming the position he currently holds.  As District Attorney, he has pioneered the development of specialized groups of prosecutors to handle such crimes as child physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, drunk driving and vehicular homicide.  The office also oversees the 20th Judicial District Drug Task Force that targets major drug traffickers.  He currently oversees a staff of about 125 employees, including 60 Assistant District Attorneys.

A strong victim advocate, Johnson was instrumental in establishing the Nashville Child Advocacy Center, now the Nashville Children’s Alliance, which offers support and counseling services for children who are sexually and physically abused. As District Attorney, he has also maintained a highly regarded Victim Witness Services program, designed to assist and encourage crime victims, and help them understand the criminal court system.

Throughout his career, Johnson has held leadership roles in various legal and professional organizations.  He has served as a Vice President of the National District Attorneys Association and was President of the statewide prosecutors’ association.  He has been a member of a number of blue ribbon commissions and task forces as well as having been on the Boards of Directors of both the Tennessee and Nashville Bar Associations.  His contributions have been recognized by awards from the National Children’s Alliance, the National College of District Attorneys and the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.  In addition to his involvement in the legal community, he is also actively involved with several non-profit agencies.  As the county’s top prosecutor, he appears frequently in the local media and participates in a variety of public events and forums.

Johnson and his wife have three daughters, and live in Nashville.