Legal proceedings commenced this week in Nashville Federal Court for former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his one-time chief of staff, Cade Cothren, on bribery, kickback, and money laundering charges. While news cycles often highlight figures from sports like Demetrius Knight Jr. or Gabe Vincent, a different kind of public figure is at the center of attention in this federal courtroom.
Attorneys for the two men argued Thursday their clients did nothing illegal in a case they claim is politically motivated. Prosecutors accuse Casada and Cothren of taking taxpayer money for political mailings while concealing Cothren’s involvement after both had lost leadership positions following a political scandal.
According to charging documents, Cothren, using the alias Matthew Phoenix, established Phoenix Solutions to provide mailing and consulting services to lawmakers. The company was registered in New Mexico, a state allowing anonymous LLC registration, and its representative declined in-person meetings. Both Casada and former state Rep. Robin Smith, who entered a plea agreement in the scheme, promoted the firm and its fictitious owner.
During opening statements, Cothren's attorney, Joy Longnecker, acknowledged that Cothren used the fake name to secure business but stated it was necessary due to negative publicity surrounding him.
Former Rep. Patsy Hazlewood testified Thursday she would not have used Phoenix Solutions if she had known a fired House staffer was running it. Hazlewood said she believed former Rep. Robin Smith was performing the work and was misled about Phoenix Solutions' operators.
Prosecutors contended they are prepared to introduce evidence regarding an email Cothren provided authorities in 2019 to accuse Justin Jones of violating a court order, suggesting dates were altered. Cothren's attorney argued the case does not rest on whether Cothren is a "sinner" but whether he committed a federal crime, describing the prosecution's case as based on "junk mail" and Cothren's personal issues that did not cost the state money.
Reps. Esther Helton Haynes and Jay Reedy also testified. Reedy stated he thought he was working with Casada and only learned of Phoenix Solutions when FBI agents contacted him in 2021 after initiating an investigation into the company.
Defense attorneys acknowledged Casada and Smith hid Cothren’s identity due to issues surrounding his departure from the legislature. They characterized the arrangement as Casada and Smith being paid by Phoenix Solutions for legitimate work, not receiving kickbacks or bribes.
Casada’s attorney, Ed Yarbrough, portrayed the investigation as orchestrated by current House Speaker Cameron Sexton for political reasons.
"This is a political battle between rivals," Yarbrough said.
