A federal grand jury has subpoenaed Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and possibly several other lawmakers in an investigation of corruption in the Legislature, NewsChannel5 Nashville reported Tuesday.
According to the report, 10-12 legislators also are believed to have been subpoenaed Tuesday as federal agents probe the activity of shadowy campaign vendors in connection with the 2020 election.
In a statement to NewsChannel5, Sexton said, “It is not unexpected that I and other members would be called to appear before a grand jury to provide factual statements as part of this ongoing investigation.”
Sexton has said he has been cooperating with federal agents since he won election to the speaker’s post in the fall of 2019 following the resignation of Rep. Glen Casada, R-Franklin, amid a sexist and racist texting scandal and complaints about his management style.
The subpoena of Sexton comes on the heels of the resignation of Rep. Robin Smith, R-Hixson, when she pleaded guilty to a wire fraud charge two weeks ago.