Former Tennessee state senator sentenced to 21 months for campaign finance crime by judge.

Former Tennessee State Senator Sentenced to Prison for Violating Campaign Finance Laws

A⁣ former Tennessee state senator,⁢ Brian ⁣Kelsey, has been given a 21-month prison sentence for​ his involvement in violating campaign finance laws. Kelsey,‍ 45, pleaded ‍guilty to concealing the transfer of $91,000 from his⁣ state Senate ⁣campaign⁤ and $25,000 from a nonprofit group into⁢ a national political organization. This organization then used the funds to finance advertisements for Kelsey’s ​unsuccessful bid for the U.S. House.

Kelsey ‌initially pleaded not guilty, but later changed his plea after his co-defendant, Joshua ⁤Smith, pleaded guilty last year. In ‌court, Kelsey expressed‌ remorse for his ⁣actions, acknowledging ‌that he knowingly broke⁢ the ‌law ‍despite the risks involved. He attempted to change his plea back to not guilty‍ in March,⁤ citing personal matters ‌such as the death of his father and the responsibility of raising his twin sons. However, Judge Waverly Crenshaw ​of the U.S. District Court in Nashville⁣ denied his request ​in May, emphasizing the need for a sentence that sends a‍ strong message.

Kelsey had served⁤ as a⁢ state senator since 2009, including his unsuccessful congressional bid in 2016. Prior‌ to that, he was elected to the General Assembly​ in 2004. Despite the sentencing, Kelsey will not have to begin his prison term until October.

Social Security Update: Direct Payment Worth Up to $4,555

In other news, ​millions of individuals are set to⁣ receive a direct payment worth up to ​$4,555 through the Social Security program. This payment is expected to be distributed‌ within ‍the next five days, providing much-needed financial support ‍to those eligible.

For more information on this topic, click ‌here to read the full article from The Washington ⁤Examiner.

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