Federal Corruption Trial Unfolds in Tennessee
In the ongoing federal corruption trial of former Tennessee House aide Cade Cothren, significant revelations emerged as FBI Special Agent Clay Worcester presented incriminating text messages involving former Rep. Robin Smith, ex-House Speaker Glen Casada, and Cothren, who operated under the alias "Matthew Phoenix."
On the eighth day of the trial, messages illustrated the clandestine relationship and power dynamics among the trio, particularly regarding their secretive firm, Phoenix Solutions. Cothren’s November 2019 message emphasized the need for discretion: “Remember you have zero connection to (Phoenix Solutions).” Smith’s resignation in 2022, coupled with her guilty plea for honest services fraud, highlighted the gravity of the situation as she admitted to directing legislators to use the corrupt bidding process benefitting Phoenix Solutions through taxpayer-funded programs.
Cothren and Casada are facing serious charges, including fraud and money laundering, stemming from a scheme where state funds were channeled to companies linked to them for legislative mailers. A forensic accountant revealed that nearly $52,000 was allegedly laundered in the early months of 2020.
The financial trail highlighted various transactions, including payments made from the state to Smith’s Rivers Edge Alliance, which invoiced the state for mailer production. Funds were then funneled to Phoenix Solutions, benefiting Cothren disproportionately. Testimony confirmed that Cothren received 30% of the proceeds while Casada and Smith took 25% each.
The trial continues to expose a layer of systemic corruption within Tennessee’s political apparatus, raising pressing questions about accountability and ethical governance. As proceedings unfold, the implications for those involved loom large over the state’s political landscape.
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