President Donald Trump pardoned former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his former chief of staff, Cade Cothren, both of whom were convicted on federal corruption charges. The charges stemmed from a consulting firm, Phoenix Solutions, through which Casada and Cothren allegedly funneled money for campaign and taxpayer-funded work, including a mailer program. A White House official cited the Biden administration for over-prosecuting the men, who had been investigated during Trump’s first term. Casada confirmed the pardon, expressing gratitude for Trump’s trust, and noted the investigation began during Trump’s first term.
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The recent pardons issued by former President Donald Trump to ex-Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his former chief of staff Cade Cothren, shortly after their convictions on public corruption charges, have ignited controversy. Both men were found guilty of orchestrating a scheme to secure taxpayer funds through a mail business. A White House official defended the pardons, claiming the case was over-prosecuted, however, the acts of clemency continue a pattern of Trump pardoning political allies. These actions are likely to spark ongoing debate regarding presidential pardon power and accountability for public officials, especially as the convictions were related to a mailer program and involved a fictitious figure.
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Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his former Chief of Staff Cade Cothren have been granted pardons by President Donald Trump following their convictions on corruption charges. Both men were sentenced in September, with Casada facing 36 months in federal prison for charges including wire fraud and money laundering. The pardons relate to a case involving over $51,000 in state constituent mail payments funneled to Cothren through Phoenix Solutions, resulting in Casada and Cothren receiving over $35,000 in bribes. The pardons come after Casada confirmed he received a call from the president and a White House official stated that the men were over-prosecuted for a minor issue.
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John Q. Hosedrinker