FBI Raids Tennessee State Lawmakers Offices and Homes

https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2021/01/08/fbi-agents-search-legislative-offices-tennessee-state-capitol/

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WMC) - Federal agents were at the state Capitol in Nashville Friday searching several legislative offices.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton provided details late Friday morning about the searches he said are part of an ongoing investigation connected to former House Speaker Glen Casada’s office.

“This has been a trying week for our country, and this will be a difficult time for our state as well as we go down this road,” said Sexton.

David Boling, spokesman for Don Cochran, U.S. Attorney of Middle Tennessee, said FBI agents entered Cordell Hull at 8 a.m. He said the searches are not connected to Wednesday’s riot in Washington D.C.

A source shared pictures taken Friday morning when agents were outside State Rep. Robin Smith’s office.

Sexton said he was contacted about the investigation shortly after being named House Speaker in 2020 following Casada’s resignation after Tennessee House Republicans cast a no confidence vote that followed a series of scandals, including lewd text messages made public.

Sexton said search warrants were executed Friday at the offices and homes of several lawmakers and people connected to Casada’s office. A source confirms Casada, Smith and Rep. Todd Warner were involved as well as Cade Cothren, Casada’s former chief of staff.

Sexton said he placed three House employees on paid administrative leave until further notice. The employees are interim Chief of Staff Holt Whitt, legislative assistant Nadine Korby and legislative assistant Carol Simpson.

According to the House staff website, Simpson is Casada’s legislative assistant and Korby is Rep. Ken Calfree’s legislative assistant.

“Personally‚ these are our friends and colleagues of ours that we worked with for many years,” said Sexton. “It’s important to remember that this is just the start of the investigation and the process and not the end. Today does not necessarily imply guilt.”

Sexton said he’s briefed the governor, lieutenant governor and leadership in both parties about the investigation and will provide as much information as he can as it continues.

“I will also continue to work with the federal authorities, and I will encourage my colleagues to cooperate with them as well if they are asked to,” said Sexton.