Franklin Republican Glen Casada, who rose to as high as House speaker over two decades in the Tennessee General Assembly, was arrested and arraigned on federal charges Tuesday.
Prosecutors charge that Casada and his chief of staff created a sham company to provide political mailers for state lawmakers.
More: Former House Speaker Glen Casada and chief of staff indicted in ‘bribery and kickback conspiracy’
Here are key dates in Casada’s political career:
December 2001
After several years as a commissioner in Williamson County, Casada wins a special election for a seat in the House.
November 2010
Propelled in part by Casada’s fundraising prowess, Republicans win control of the House, giving the GOP the House, the Senate and the governor’s seat. Casada runs unsuccessfully for speaker.
November 2016
Republicans choose Casada as majority leader, the second-in-command position. The vote follows closely after Casada publicly denied claims of infidelity that were published on an anonymous blog.
January 2019
In January, Republicans elevate Casada to House Speaker, giving him broad powers to shape the work of that chamber.
April 2019
Casada shows his influence during a crucial vote over school vouchers. He holds open the vote for about 30 minutes and convinces enough lawmakers to pass the measure. Some lawmakers complain of favor-trading and strong-arm tactics.
May 2019
Scandal surrounds Casada. Leaked text messages show him involved in lewd and racist text message threads with his chief of staff, Cade Cothren, who soon resigns.
After a no-confidence vote, Casada also agrees to resign.
October 2019
Prosecutors say Casada and Cothren have set up a company under a fictitious name to provide campaign services to other legislators.
January 2021
FBI agents search the offices and homes of four Republican lawmakers, including Casada, as well as three aides.
March 2022
State Rep. Robin Smith, R-Hixson, resigns amid the federal corruption probe.
May 2022
Having decided not to run again for a state seat, Casada loses a primary contest seeking the seat of county clerk in Williamson County.
August 2022
A grand jury indicts Casada and Cothren, and federal agents arrest them at their homes. They face up to 20 years in prison.
Correction:An earlier version of this story misstated when Glen Casada was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives. It was December 2001, not November 2002.
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