Former Tennessee House Speaker Glenn Casada and his wife exited the Federal Court of Fred D. Thompson in Nashville on September 23, 2025, after Casada received a three-year prison sentence for his involvement in corrupt schemes.

It’s been more than six years since Casada aimed to secure Republican dominance in all 95 counties, yet he couldn’t maintain the supermajority.

Now, after being found guilty of fraudulent money laundering and kickbacks, Casada’s focus has shifted from politics to prison life. He, along with Cade Koren, his former Chief of Staff who received a two-and-a-half-year sentence, operated a secret consulting firm called Phoenix Solutions, exploiting a state-funded mailing initiative to funnel money to Casada and ex-state lawmaker Robin Smith.

Casada, a Republican hailing from Franklin, stepped down three years ago from his office amid political pressure, even after serving an additional term post-resignation. Support from lawmakers who once backed him dwindled during the hearing.

Having had considerable influence over Tennessee politics, Casada was known for promoting candidates aligned with an ultra-conservative agenda during his tenure. Yet, complications arose soon after.

Internally, discontent grew within the ranks of the legislative body, dubbed the “Hall Monitor” that reported directly to Casada. Then came allegations regarding a “Bill Kill” list aimed at thwarting opposing leadership initiatives, alongside hiring practices that enabled political operatives to go unchecked. Lawmakers grew frustrated with Cothren’s hefty salary and perceived inefficiencies during efforts to push Bill Lee’s 2019 Private School Voucher Program, which aimed to fund private school enrollments for low-income families in specific cities but drew criticism for threatening public education.

Following a key vote in April 2019, Casada faced backlash after manipulating voting processes to gain favorable outcomes, including allegedly pressuring Lee’s office while on the House balcony. This tactic backfired when it was revealed.

U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson emphasized during this week’s ruling that Casada had lied to FBI agents during a raid at his home on January 8, 2021.

Despite the challenges post-vote, claims against Casada surged as the FBI investigation escalated.

The fallout from a racist and sexist text messaging scandal further tarnished his reputation, particularly in the wake of another scandal involving drug use in his office.

During their peak, Casada and Koren had a strong camaraderie, marked by socializing in Nashville. Cothren, an associate, even gained recognition as a sought-after single.

But things took a sharp turn. Casada found himself in a precarious position after losing support.

Having faced a vote of no confidence from his party at a Nashville hotel only emphasized his political decline.

Emerging from that August day in 2019, he appeared unsettled. Subsequent events spiraled worse than the rapid downfall he faced, culminating in his exit from office only when the governor suggested a special session to locate a new speaker.

Ultimately, Rep. Cameron Sexton of Crossville took over, with Casada alleging he assisted in garnering support for Sexton—a claim he substantiated with phone records.

Eventually, Casada remained in office but was a mere shadow of his former self in the political arena.

When FBI agents approached him in Franklin, he attempted to portray ignorance about the operations of Phoenix Solutions but reluctantly acknowledged Koren’s significant role. He understood that the involvement of Koren and Smith would compromise their positions if the truth was known.

During this week’s hearing, federal prosecutor John Tuday remarked on Casada’s blatant dishonesty to the FBI.

After his resignation, Koren realized they needed to pivot to a more profitable scheme, leading to the inception of Phoenix Solutions—a deception wrapped in seemingly legitimate work.

The firm managed to bring in a modest sum, channeling money through legislative connections, but suspicions began to rise. The FBI started investigating after Cothren signed documents using a made-up identity.

Indicted on August 23, 2022, Smith cooperated with authorities, while Casada and Koren insisted on their innocence. Ongoing voicemails from Casada asserting the legality of their operations resurfaced during the hearing and further entrenched his predicament.

Character witnesses at the hearing were limited to close family members, who claimed his post-arrest changes had a beneficial effect on his role as a father.

While he once coveted the Republicans’ domination in the State House, achieving an overwhelming majority, he seemed perpetually in search of additional power and influence.

Ultimately, his relentless pursuit led to tumultuous consequences for both his career and personal life, despite claims of finding peace and spiritual renewal. Whether he genuinely transformed remains questionable.

From the Left Field

During the latest hearing, Casada’s defense attorney argued that his client faced undue criticism from “left media” and deserved leniency in sentencing.

This perspective, however, fell flat, even with a judge nominated by Donald Trump.

Casada’s downfall was further compounded by Republican officials and party figures, including former GOP Chairman Smith, who testified against him for a lighter sentence.

In fact, none of the lawmakers whose campaigns he supported came to his aid during sentencing.

The exchanges surrounding Koren and Casada’s scandals revealed layers of corruption that extended beyond party lines, as powerful figures often dictate the narratives surrounding their fates.

Polish Your Surfboard

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, state legislator Todd Warner, connected to Koren, faces scrutiny for unauthorized work on his Marshall County property.

Reports indicate Warner may have begun construction on his lakefront land without proper permits, leading to concerns over environmental impact amid ongoing development versus conservation debates.

A complaint against him highlights the presence of industrial equipment at the site, necessitating environmental safeguards.

Warner alleged that he is being targeted by “political enemies,” asserting that any work would only serve agricultural purposes. When approached for comments regarding surveillance, he deferred to his lawyer’s advice.

A zoning hearing regarding the matter is scheduled for September 30th.

“If everyone had oceans all over America / Then everyone would be surfin like California” Beach Boys – “Surfin’USA”