Former Tennessee state Rep. Robin Smith (R) was sentenced Friday to eight months in prison for her role in a taxpayer-funded mailer scheme that helped convict former House Speaker Glen Casada and his chief of staff, Cade Cothren. Smith, 62, pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count of honest services wire fraud and later testified under a plea deal in the high-profile public corruption case.
“I failed the trust of the public,” Smith said at her sentencing in federal court in Nashville. “My mom and dad raised me to be much better than this.” She must report to prison by January 5.
Smith’s cooperation was key in exposing a fraudulent mail business called Phoenix Solutions, created by Cothren with Casada’s and Smith’s support. Prosecutors said the trio falsely claimed the company was run by “Matthew Phoenix” to conceal their involvement and collect more than $50,000 in taxpayer funds through a legislative mailer program.
Casada was convicted on 14 counts and sentenced to three years in prison, while Cothren received two and a half years. Judge Eli Richardson said Smith played a central role in “spinning a web of fabrications” to pressure officials and hide the scheme.
Smith, once a prominent GOP leader in Hamilton County, resigned from the legislature in 2022 after entering her plea.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
