Nashville Judge Moreland Accused of Bribery, Witness Tampering

Judge Cason ‘Casey’ Moreland, 59, of Nashville, Tennessee, is facing federal charges for attempting to obstruct justice through bribery and witness tampering. The allegations were announced by Jack Smith, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee; Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Michael Gavin, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the FBI.

Acting U.S. Attorney Smith emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating that such an abuse of power undermines public trust in the judicial system. The investigation was prompted by allegations of Moreland soliciting and accepting bribes, including sexual favors, in exchange for official acts.

The complaint filed against Moreland reveals that he attempted to pay a witness to recant her statements about his criminal conduct. He also plotted to have drugs planted on the witness and arrange a traffic stop to destroy her credibility. The scheme involved using a burner phone and instructing an intermediary in the process.

Moreland is accused of providing the witness with a fraudulent affidavit, cash, and instructions to manipulate her into signing it. He even went so far as to ensure his fingerprints did not appear on the document.

This case represents a significant blow to public trust within the judicial system, as it involves an elected official charged with obstructing justice. Moreland is currently facing substantial legal challenges for his alleged actions.