The state ethics group asked the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office to investigate the PAC formed by former legislative officer Kade Koren. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Tennessee’s Campaign Finance Watchdog Group has requested an investigation by the former state Officer Secret Politics Action Committee to determine whether it involves criminal activity.

Tom Lawless, Director of the Election Finance Registration Office, has called on the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office to formally reactivate a 2020 request for an investigation of Cade Koren, former aide to one-time House Speaker Glenn Casada. The study is expected to also consider possible involvement of Casada.

Bill Young, executive director of the Ethics and Election Finance Department, said the DA’s office, led by Stacey Edmonson, is reviewing the requests made during the conference call.

Lawless previously told the watchman that investigations should begin now that Casada and Cothren’s trials have been completed. They were convicted of nearly 20 counts each in connection with the Kickback plot. The ruling is set for September 12th in federal court.

“Activity needs to be made public because transparency is absolutely essential,” Lawless said.

The Registry Committee summoned Republicans in January 2022 in connection with an investigation into the Faith Family Freedom Fund PAC accused of illegal coordination with state legislator Todd Warner’s campaign in a race with incumbent Republican Rep. Rick Tillis, Casada’s political enemy. Warner defeated Tillis in the 2020 Republican primary election when his home and office were attacked by FBI agents in January 2021 on the same day that he attacked Casada, Koren and now Robin Smith. Koslen refused to comply with the subpoena.

The registry’s decision to summon Cothren, Casada and several other people came after Cothren’s ex-girlfriend set up a political action committee on his request and testified that he could secretly do so. She said Koren, whom she thought she loved at the time, also told her to ignore calls from the registry.