Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his ex-aide Cade Cothren stand trial in Nashville, accused of misusing taxpayer funds in a political mail scheme, the AP reported.
The federal case, unfolding in Tennessee’s capital, centers on allegations that Casada and Cothren orchestrated bribery, kickbacks, and money laundering through a sham company called Phoenix Solutions.
Both men were forced from their leadership posts after a political scandal rocked their tenure in the Tennessee House.
Casada, a Republican heavyweight, served as House Speaker, with Cothren as his trusted chief of staff.
Their troubles began when they allegedly funneled taxpayer money into political mailings, a move prosecutors claim was corrupt.
To conceal their actions, Cothren reportedly created Phoenix Solutions, a front company registered under the alias Matthew Phoenix.
Phoenix Solutions was established in New Mexico, where LLCs can be registered anonymously, shielding Cothren’s identity.
The company offered mail and consulting services to lawmakers, with Casada actively promoting its operations.
Cothren dodged requests for face-to-face meetings, further raising suspicions about the company’s legitimacy.
Former state Rep. Robin Smith, entangled in the scheme, took a plea deal and endorsed Phoenix Solutions’ fictitious owner.
Her involvement helped prosecutors unravel the alleged plot, spotlighting Casada and Cothren’s actions.
The trial, which began Thursday, has drawn attention to the inner workings of Tennessee’s political machine.
In opening statements, Cothren’s attorney, Joy Longnecker, admitted her client used the fake name Matthew Phoenix to attract business.
“Cade may be a sinner, but he’s not a criminal,” Longnecker declared, framing Cothren’s actions as misguided but lawful.
Casada’s lawyer, Ed Yarbrough, called the investigation a politically driven attack, orchestrated by current House Speaker Cameron Sexton.
