Former Tennessee Lawmaker Gets Probation After Corruption Conviction

Wed Jan 07 2026 20:51:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A judge has reduced the prison sentence of former Tennessee State Representative Robin Smith to probation, following her cooperation in a public corruption trial that resulted in the convictions of former House Speaker Glen Casada and his aide.

Robin Smith, who assisted prosecutors in a major corruption case, had her eight-month prison sentence transformed into a year of probation by a federal judge. This decision follows her cooperation in the conviction of Glen Casada and Cade Cothren, who were later pardoned by Donald Trump. Smith continues to seek a presidential pardon to clear her record and recover financial restitution.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In a significant ruling, a federal judge has replaced a former Tennessee lawmaker's prison term with probation after her testimony helped secure convictions in a public corruption case.

Republican Rep. Robin Smith was initially sentenced to eight months in prison but saw her sentence converted to one year of probation by U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson in Nashville. This ruling comes after Smith's key role in testifying against former state House Speaker Glen Casada and his aide, Cade Cothren, who both received pardons from President Donald Trump.

Smith had played a pivotal role in the trial, assisting prosecutors with her insider knowledge of a scheme involving a phony company created to siphon taxpayer funds. Her cooperation in the proceedings was highlighted, leading to the successful convictions of both Casada and Cothren, who had been involved in the unethical practices.

Following her sentencing in October, President Trump pardoned those involved, triggering a request from Smith's legal team for a similar leniency. They argued that it would be unjust for her to serve time when her co-conspirators were pardoned.

Smith's attorney, Ben Rose, stated that receiving a presidential pardon would resolve the probationary term and allow her to recoup nearly $30,000 in restitution that she has already paid. The case was notable for its implications regarding the treatment of co-conspirators in judicial proceedings.

Expressing gratitude, Smith stated she is thankful for the support she has received throughout this tumultuous period, and she maintains hope for a pardon from Trump.

The judge's rationale for the sentence reduction remains sealed, but the case stemmed from incidents that occurred while Casada was an active lawmaker, following a scandal that ultimately forced his resignation in 2019.

The corruption ring involved falsifying documents and creating a fictitious entity to manipulate public funds for personal gain. The trial saw significant testimony from Smith, who explained the motivations behind the questionable dealings and how they aimed to mask the true operators behind the illicit business operations.

Smith’s involvement in the Tennessee state legislature began in 2018, but she resigned in early 2022 amid her plea deal related to the corruption charges.