NASHVILLE — A federal judge agreed Monday to delay a sentencing hearing for former state Rep. Robin Smith, a Hixson Republican expected to testify in the criminal trial against former House Speaker Glen Casada, until Jan. 30.
The sentencing delay was sought by attorneys for Smith, who in March pleaded guilty to a charge of honest services fraud involving an alleged bribery and kickback conspiracy involving Smith, Casada and Cade Cothren, who once served as Casada’s chief of staff.
Smith, a former Tennessee Republican Party chairwoman and political consultant, along with Casada and Cothren are accused of participating in a scheme to establish a fake company to qualify as a vendor in the Tennessee General Assembly’s taxpayer-supported constituent mail program for lawmakers. They received some $52,000 in public funds.
Smith’s sentencing hearing had been set for Oct. 17. Casada’s trial is scheduled for Oct. 25.
U.S. District Court Judge Eli Richardson agreed to grant Smith’s sentencing hearing delay which was not opposed by the U.S. Attorney’s office.