Former Tennessee House speaker, aide face trial in political kickback scheme

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his onetime chief of staff Cade Cothren are headed to federal trial this week, according to the Associated Press.

They are charged with ties to a secretive political consulting scheme that allegedly funneled taxpayer dollars into their pockets.

The trial, beginning with jury selection Tuesday, stems from a 20-count indictment accusing the pair of bribery, conspiracy and money laundering. Prosecutors say Cothren created a fake political firm, Phoenix Solutions, under the alias “Matthew Phoenix” to sell mailer services to Republican lawmakers — with Casada and former Rep. Robin Smith helping conceal Cothren’s involvement.

The AP reports Casada and Cothren allegedly received over $35,000 in kickbacks and bribes through the scheme. Phoenix Solutions and affiliated companies reportedly collected about $52,000 in public funds in 2020. Prosecutors say the firm’s anonymous New Mexico registration helped hide its true ownership.

Cothren and Casada were indicted in August 2022. Smith, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud, is expected to testify as part of a plea deal. House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who succeeded Casada and has cooperated with investigators, is also slated to take the stand.

Defense attorneys argue lawmakers got legitimate services, and secrecy alone does not constitute a crime.

The AP stated that if convicted, both men face up to 20 years in prison. The trial is expected to last several weeks.

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