Key Takeaways:
– Former Speaker Glen Casada and aide Cade Cothren claim federal prosecutors are concealing informants’ identities in a fraud case.
– The informants might include current Speaker Cameron Sexton or his staff.
– Cothren allegedly ran a secret business, earning $52,000 from mailers for Republican lawmakers.
– Sexton, subpoenaed in the case, is cooperating with federal investigators.
– The trial is set for April 22, 2024.
Ex-Speaker Glen Casada and Former Aide Claim Federal Prosecutors Are Hiding Informants in Fraud Investigation
Glen Casada, the former Tennessee House Speaker, and his ex-chief of staff, Cade Cothren, are in a legal battle over an ongoing fraud investigation. They claim federal prosecutors are keeping the identities of confidential informants secret, which they believe is unfair and hinders their defense.
Casada and Cothren’s lawyers are pushing the court to force prosecutors to reveal who these informants are, arguing it’s crucial for their case. They suggest one key informant might be current House Speaker Cameron Sexton or someone from his office.
Who Are the Informants?
The investigation involves three confidential human sources (CHS) who provided damaging information against Casada and Cothren. These individuals allegedly recorded private conversations, shared details about House meetings, and disclosed financial information about legislative accounts. They also gave insider tips on new guidelines from the Speaker’s office.
Casada’s legal team suspects Speaker Sexton or his staff might be behind this. If true, it could mean high-level involvement in the case against them.
The Secret Business Dealings
Cade Cothren, while serving as Casada’s chief of staff, ran a private company called Phoenix Solutions. This business was kept under wraps, and Cothren was paid nearly $52,000 for creating constituent mailers for Republican lawmakers. The arrangement has raised questions about transparency and ethics, as public officials should avoid hidden financial deals.
This secret business is central to the fraud investigation, with prosecutors suggesting it involved illegal activities that benefited Casada, Cothren, and another individual.
The Role of Speaker Cameron Sexton
In a twist, Speaker Cameron Sexton has been subpoenaed by Cothren’s lawyers to testify in the case. However, Sexton has made it clear he is fully cooperating with federal authorities. This subpoena is part of a broader legal strategy to uncover who might be Informant CHS1.
Sexton wasn’t the only one subpoenaed. Early in the legislative session, 19 lawmakers received similar orders, adding to the political drama.
What Happens Next?
The court’s decision on whether to compel prosecutors to reveal the informants’ identities is critical. If the informants are revealed, Casada and Cothren could call them as witnesses, potentially challenging the prosecution’s case.
With the trial set for April 22, 2024, both sides are preparing for a high-stakes battle. The outcome could have significant political implications in Tennessee.