NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — After a request for just a six-month delay, a federal judge instead ordered a year-long pause so Rep. Glen Casada and his former aide Cade Cothren can ready their defense against bribery and kickback charges.
The new trial will happen Oct. 3, 2023, according to an order from Judge Eli Richardson.
Casada, Cothren — as well as another conspirator — engaged in a fraudulent scheme to enrich themselves "by exploiting Casada and the other conspirator’s official positions as legislators to obtain State approval of Phoenix Solutions as a Mailer Program vendor to provide constituent mail services to members of the Tennessee General Assembly."
The FBI raided Casada's home and office in the legislature in 2021. Casada will remain in office until 2023.
What they are charged with:
Casada and Cothren are charged with the following offenses:
- Conspiracy
- Theft concerning programs receiving federal funds
- Two counts of bribery and kickbacks concerning programs receiving federal funds
- Six counts of honest services wire fraud
- Use of a fictitious name to carry out a fraud
- Money laundering conspiracy
- Eight counts of money laundering
If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, the indictment contains a forfeiture allegation, meaning the government is seeking to recover all the proceeds of the alleged crimes.
