The three-decade director of the Tennessee Legislature Office of Legislative Administration testified Friday that former state representative Robin Smith took an unusual interest in getting payments pushed through for a company called Phoenix Solutions.
Connie Ridley said she eventually found out that Phoenix Solutions was a sham company that was really operated by Cade Cothren, former chief of staff to former House Speaker Glen Casada.
Cothren and Casada are facing criminal charges in Nashville Federal Court. They face up to 20 years in prison if convicted by a jury that is now hearing the case.
Ms. Smith, of Hixson, pleaded guilty to a single count of honest services fraud ... (click for more)