Feds seek protective order on evidence against Casada and co-defendants

The Department of Justice is asking the attorneys for former House Speaker Glen Casada to keep secret the evidence they share against him and co-defendants in advance of an October trial.

In their case against Casada and his ex-chief of staff, Cade Cothren, federal authorities plan to provide the defendants with law enforcement agency reports that could contain personal identification and other confidential information.

Some of the information exceeds the government’s obligations for providing material and includes sensitive information about witnesses, such as personal identifiers, addresses, phone numbers, private financial information and confidential and sensitive information developed through investigations of law enforcement and use of the grand jury, according to the Wednesday filing, which is unopposed by the defense.

Casada and Cothren are charged with 20 counts involving bribery, theft from programs receiving federal funds, kickbacks, conspiracy to commit money laundering and other charges. If convicted, each could face up to 20 years in prison.

Both entered not guilty pleas in an alleged scheme in which former state Rep. Robin Smith, who resigned and pleaded guilty this winter, steered lawmakers toward taxpayer-funded mailer business with Phoenix Solutions, a phony firm run by Cothren who used the name “Matthew Phoenix.” Cothren would then provide them with kickbacks, according to the indictments.

The case is set for trial October 25.

Casada Protective Order by Anita Wadhwani on Scribd