Nashville, TN, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Cade Cothren, former Chief of Staff to the Tennessee House Speaker, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his involvement in a kickback scheme that misused public funds. Along with a year of probation and a $25,000 fine, Cothren’s sentencing highlights the ongoing issues of corruption within government institutions. His attorneys plan to appeal the conviction, while discussions about the effects of corruption on public trust in government have resurfaced.
Nashville, Tennessee – Cade Cothren, former Chief of Staff to former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Glenn Casada, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his role in a kickback scheme that misused the state’s constituent mailer program. The sentencing took place in Nashville federal court, reflecting the severity of the offenses Cothren committed that contributed to public distrust in government.
Under the terms of his sentence, Cothren will also serve one year of probation following his prison term and is required to pay a $25,000 fine. U.S. District Court Judge Eli Richardson underscored the detrimental impact of Cothren’s actions on public confidence in government, stating that the misconduct was both unnecessary and damaging. Despite this, the judge decided to reduce Cothren’s sentence by fifty percent due to mitigating factors such as his clean criminal record and strong community connections.
Cothren’s attorneys have signaled plans to appeal the verdict, and he will remain free until he receives official instructions from the Federal Bureau of Prisons regarding the start of his incarceration. Alongside Cothren, Glenn Casada faced convictions in May on multiple charges, including bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering. While they initially faced 20 counts related to conspiracy and public corruption, three bribery charges against them were dismissed in September.
The illegal activities were linked to a consulting firm named Phoenix Solutions, which profited unlawfully from the state’s Postage and Printing Allowance designated for House members’ communications with constituents. The State of Tennessee allocated $3,000 annually to each House member for mailing services aimed at informing their constituents of legislative activities. In 2020, over $51,000 in state payments were funneled to Cothren through Phoenix Solutions, with Cothren and Casada allegedly taking home over $35,000 in kickbacks from these transactions.
Additionally, Robin Smith, a former GOP representative, was implicated in the scheme and has since pleaded guilty to wire fraud while agreeing to cooperate with the government as a witness. Cothren allegedly continued political operations under the alias “Matthew Phoenix” after resigning due to multiple allegations of serious misconduct, including the use of racial slurs and drugs.
During the lengthy sentencing hearing, which lasted over nine hours, both the prosecution and defense presented arguments regarding the appropriateness of Cothren’s punishment. Judge Richardson emphasized the importance of accountability for officials to deter future acts of corruption.
The case has reignited discussions on the corrosive impact of corruption on public trust in government institutions. Throughout the proceedings, Cothren maintained his innocence, describing the government’s actions as akin to a witch hunt, asserting that the contracting of mailing services was legitimate. To support his case, character witnesses, including family members and former colleagues, spoke positively of Cothren’s character, despite the convictions.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges related to public corruption and the necessity for strict enforcement of laws designed to uphold integrity within government operations. The ramifications of this situation extend beyond the individuals involved and tap into broader concerns about the functionality of democratic institutions.
FAQ Section
What was Cade Cothren sentenced for?
Cade Cothren was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his involvement in a kickback scheme utilizing the state’s constituent mailer program.
What additional penalties did he receive?
In addition to prison time, Cothren will serve one year of probation after his prison term and is required to pay a $25,000 fine.
Who presided over the sentencing?
U.S. District Court Judge Eli Richardson presided over the sentencing.
What was the nature of the kickback scheme?
The kickback scheme involved a consulting firm, Phoenix Solutions, which profited illegally from the state’s Postage and Printing Allowance provided to House members for constituent communications.
What amount of kickbacks were allegedly received by Cothren and Casada?
Cothren and Casada allegedly received over $35,000 in kickbacks from the scheme.
What related charges were initially filed against Cothren and Casada?
Initially, Cothren and Casada faced 20 counts related to conspiracy and public corruption, although three bribery charges were dismissed later.
Was there any cooperation from others in the case?
Robin Smith, a former GOP representative, was also implicated and has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, agreeing to cooperate as a government witness.
What has Cothren said regarding his innocence?
Cothren has maintained his innocence and claims that the government’s case against him is a witch hunt.
What discussions did this case reignite?
The case has reignited discussions about the corrosive effect of corruption on public trust in government institutions.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Cade Cothren |
| Sentence | 30 months in federal prison |
| Probation | 1 year after prison |
| Fine | $25,000 |
| Related Charges | Bribery, wire fraud, money laundering |
| Consulting Firm Involved | Phoenix Solutions |
| Kickback Amount | Over $35,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Nashville Banner: Cade Cothren Sentenced
- News Channel 5: Nashville Celebrates Black Music Month
- Fox17: Former Tennessee House Speaker Aide Faces Trial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Corruption
- The Tennessean: Cade Cothren Discussed Kickback Scheme
- Google Search: Cade Cothren Kickback Scheme
Author: HERE Nashville
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