NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Nashville social club owner on Wednesday pleaded guilty to a campaign finance scheme that also involves a Tennessee state senator’s failed 2016 congressional campaign.
Joshua Smith, 45, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the solicitation and spending of at least $25,000 of so-called “soft money” — or funds not subject to federal limitations and reporting requirements — in connection with a federal election.
The plea comes three months before state Sen. Brian Kelsey, a Republican, is scheduled to head to trial after pleading not guilty to federal campaign fraud charges. Kelsey, who is not seeking reelection this year, has criticized the charges as a “political witch hunt.”
Smith’s attorneys notified a federal judge earlier this month that a plea deal had been reached with prosecutors.
Smith did not offer any comment during Wednesday’s hearing other than to confirm to the judge that he understood and agreed to the plea deal. His sentencing hearing will be June 9, 2023, where the maximum penalty is five years in prison.