NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Several lawmakers at the center of a FBI probe were present for the first day of the 2021 legislative session.
State representatives Kent Calfee, Glen Casada, Robin Smith and Todd Warner were served search warrants at either their homes or offices or both Friday by the FBI. Federal investigators would not say the specific purpose for the investigation but noted it was a corruption investigation.
The representatives were all in attendance Tuesday for the start of the legislative session. Rep. Robin Smith took some questions but referred back to a statement from her lawyer.
"It's important for me not to make any comments outside the statement at this point. There will be a time that's appropriate and I look forward to that," said Rep. Smith.
Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton also addressed the media following the house floor meeting's end.
"There's been chaos going on for the last year and a half," said Sexton about the state of Tennessee.
Sexton answered questions about how the people of Tennessee may view news of lawmakers coming out of the capitol.
"In any occupation, it doesn't matter what it is, hopefully, they see it as an isolated incident and those people who are involved whether they are guilty or not," said Sexton. "Right now, what we know is that in Tennessee and the country, you're innocent until proven guilty."
