Tennessee Ex-Legislators on Trial for Bribery, Kickback Charges: Attorneys Argue Pair Did Nothing Illegal

Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his former aide Cade Cothren are on trial for bribery, kickback, and money laundering charges. Defense attorneys argue that the pair did nothing illegal, claiming Cothren used a fake name to court business due to negative publicity surrounding him, and that the investigation was politically motivated. The trial began in federal court in Nashville.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The trial of former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his former aide, Cade Cothren, began in federal court this week. The pair faces a 20-count indictment for bribery, kickbacks, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges allege that they ran a political mailing group using taxpayer money without disclosing Cothren's involvement, who created an alter ego named Matthew Phoenix to run the company [1].

Casada and Cothren, both Republicans from Williamson County south of Nashville, were pressured out of their leadership roles in 2019 due to scandals, including revelations of sexually explicit text messages and Cothren's admission of cocaine use. They were charged in 2022, three years after the initial allegations [2].

The trial promises to include testimony from current and former lawmakers and staffers, some for the prosecution and others for the defense. Federal prosecutors plan to call about 15 witnesses, including House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who succeeded Casada and assisted federal authorities in the investigation. Former Rep. Robin Smith, who pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge in the scheme, will also testify [1].

Defense attorneys argue that the pair did nothing illegal, claiming Cothren used a fake name to court business due to negative publicity surrounding him. They contend that the investigation was politically motivated, and that the secrecy about the firm's ownership isn't a crime [1].

The trial could take weeks and is expected to shed light on the political landscape of Tennessee and the extent of corruption allegations. If convicted, Casada and Cothren each face up to 20 years in prison [1].

References:
[1] https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/who-s-who-in-the-criminal-trial-of-a-former-20287680.php
[2] https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-house-speaker-trial-22e0c2874cdd10f104a89518e8b723cb