Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his ex-chief of staff, Cade Cothren, are set to face a federal criminal trial this week in Nashville. The trial, which begins with jury selection on Tuesday, involves testimony from a mix of current and former lawmakers and staffers, some appearing for the prosecution while others support the defense. The proceedings are expected to extend over several weeks.
The charges against Casada and Cothren center on allegations that they operated a political mailing firm secretly controlled by Cothren, which was hired by House Republicans using taxpayer funds. Prosecutors claim that the two concealed Cothren’s involvement to secure business deals after they were forced out of leadership roles due to an earlier political scandal. Cothren allegedly assumed an alias, “Matthew Phoenix,” to manage the company Phoenix Solutions. Both men face a 20-count indictment that includes charges of bribery, kickbacks, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, with a conviction potentially resulting in up to 20 years in prison.
The trial comes nearly three years after the charges were filed and almost six years following their resignations from statehouse leadership positions. Federal prosecutors plan to call approximately 15 witnesses, among them House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who succeeded Casada and assisted the investigation. Former Rep. Robin Smith, who accepted a plea deal related to the scheme, is also expected to testify. Some lawmakers have been subpoenaed to testify for the defense.
The defense for Casada and Cothren maintains that the political services provided were legitimate, and the secrecy surrounding the firm’s ownership does not constitute a criminal act. Casada, a Republican from Williamson County, ascended to the position of House Speaker in January 2019, while Cothren advanced through the legislative staff to become his chief of staff.
Casada gained particular attention for leaving the voting board open during a crucial vote on a school voucher program, waiting for a pivotal vote change that allowed the bill to pass. Speculation arose over what was promised to sway lawmakers to support the program. Casada resigned in August 2019 after a no-confidence vote by fellow House Republicans following various scandals, including the revelation of sexually explicit text exchanges with Cothren. Prior to that, Cothren had resigned over those texts and admitted to drug use within a legislative building.
In January 2021, FBI agents conducted searches of the homes and offices of Casada, Cothren, Smith, and other statehouse figures. Casada continued as a state representative until 2022, choosing not to seek reelection. The indictment in August 2022 followed Smith’s guilty plea a few months earlier.
Charging documents allege that Cothren established Phoenix Solutions with the knowledge and support of Smith and Casada to provide mail and consulting services to lawmakers. The company was registered in New Mexico, which permits anonymous LLC registration, and declined in-person meetings with legislators, citing the company’s representatives as being out-of-state. Casada, Smith, and Cothren all claimed a “Matthew Phoenix” ran the firm, with Phoenix Solutions and associated companies receiving around $52,000 from state funds for the mailer program in 2020.
Robin Smith resigned and pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge in connection with the Phoenix Solutions scheme in March 2022. Having served as a Republican House member from Hixson since 2018, she is anticipated to testify about her illicit agreement with Casada and Cothren. Sentencing for Smith will occur after the trial’s conclusion.
Cameron Sexton, having cooperated with federal authorities since becoming Speaker in 2019, is among the witnesses. He is expected to provide testimony regarding the postage and printing allowance entitlements for House lawmakers. Cothren’s defense claims he assisted Sexton after his resignation, including Sexton’s 2019 Speaker bid, to challenge assertions that Republicans were opposed to using Cothren’s services due to prior controversies. The court has approved subpoenas for Sexton’s phone records related to this claim.