Update: 10:00 AM, January 11th, 2001 – See Our Updated Version Of This Story.
Update 8:47PM, January 8th, 2001 – The attorney of Robin Smith has issued a statement, “Earlier today a search warrant was served on Robin Smith related to an ongoing investigation. She intends to cooperate fully with the investigation in all respects. While she would have preferred to do so voluntarily, Robin understands this may not have been possible. Robin is not the target of the investigation, and she has not done anything wrong. Please understand that due to the ongoing investigation, Robin will not be providing any further comment.” – Ben M. Rose, RoseFirm, PLLC
Update 12:49PM, January 8th, 2001 – At the request of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Middle Tennessee, the FBI can divulge no information about the raids at this time.
Update 12:28PM, January 8th, 2001 – Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is not involved in the raids in any way and have no information about them, according to a TBI representative. The raids are being conducted solely at the Federal level.
Published January 8, 2001
Nashville, TN – Federal agents are searching the offices of several Republican lawmakers at the Tennessee statehouse, and reportedly the homes of others, including Representative Robin Smith (Republican – Dixson).
Reports indicate that Smith left her home in Hixson around 10 a.m. this morning, minutes after four other vehicles.
The vehicles did not have government license plates, and one had Mississippi tags.
In reports to the media, Smith has indicated that she doesn’t know what is going on and was going to seek refuge at a relative’s house.
Agents were also seen outside the office of Representative Glen Casada, (Republican – Franklin), former House speaker, and outside the offices of Representative Smith and Representative Kent Calfee, (Republican-Kingston).
House Speaker Cameron Sexton said he understood that Calfee “is not part of the investigation.” Calfee’s legislative assistant, Nadine Korby, however, has been placed on administrative leave in connection with the inquiry.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee confirmed the FBI visited the homes of Casada, Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill; and former Casada aide Cade Cothren.
At a news conference this morning, Governor Bill Lee said, “I’ve spoken with Speaker Sexton this morning and I’m aware of the FBI raids. It’s certainly very concerning. I know very little about that. There’s been no FBI outreach to us, but I have confidence that Speaker Sexton is on top of the situation and we’ll learn more as this unfolds.”
Sources have said other raids will take place in relation to this investigation.
This is a developing story, The Tennessee Conservative will post updates as they become available.
