Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada Sentenced 36 Months Federal Prison Fraud Scheme

Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for his involvement in a fraudulent kickback scheme that abused taxpayer funds through a shell company called Phoenix Solutions, operated covertly by his former chief of staff, Cade Cothren, who received a 30-month sentence. The scheme involved using fake identities and forged documents to exploit the state's Postage and Printing Allowance, which provides lawmakers $3,000 annually for constituent mailers, redirecting funds to their own benefit. Both Casada and Cothren were convicted on multiple charges including wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and using fictitious names to carry out fraud, with Casada also ordered to pay a $30,000 fine and forfeit illicit proceeds. The case highlighted abuses of public trust and led to Casada's resignation as Speaker in 2019 following earlier scandals involving inappropriate communications and leadership controversies. Despite a mistrial request and appeals planned by their defense teams, the convictions and sentences stand as a strong message against political corruption in Tennessee. The Department of Justice and FBI underscored the importance of honest services from elected officials and the consequences of breaching that trust.