Overview

• Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his ex-chief of staff Cade Cothren were convicted on multiple corruption charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery.
• The fraudulent scheme centered on a fictitious consulting firm, Phoenix Solutions, used to siphon taxpayer funds through fake invoices and concealed identities.
• Prosecutors revealed that Casada, Cothren, and former Rep. Robin Smith received approximately $52,000 from the state in 2020, with additional funds from political campaigns and organizations.
• Robin Smith, who pleaded guilty in 2022 and testified against Casada and Cothren, admitted to lying to authorities and lawmakers to conceal the scheme's true beneficiaries.
• Casada and Cothren remain free on bond pending sentencing later this year, where they each face up to 20 years in prison, with appeals expected.