NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A former Tennessee state senator can stay out of prison as he challenges his 21-month sentence for violating federal campaign finance laws, a federal judge ruled.
Brian Kelsey, a Republican, was supposed to report to federal prison in October, but U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw agreed Tuesday to let him remain free while his legal team appeals the prison term to the 6th U.S.
His attorney, Alex Little, has argued that federal prosecutors violated Kelsey's plea agreement when they pushed for a harsher sentence after he attempted to withdraw his guilty plea.
Before that, Kelsey had pleaded not guilty, often saying he was being targeted by Democrats.
But he changed his mind shortly after his co-defendant, Nashville social club owner Joshua Smith, pleaded guilty to one count under a deal that required him to “cooperate fully and truthfully” with federal authorities.
Persons:
—, Brian Kelsey, District Judge Waverly Crenshaw, Kelsey, Alex Little, Crenshaw, Joshua Smith, Smith
Organizations:
Republican, District Judge, U.S, Circuit, Prosecutors
Locations:
Tenn, Tennessee, U.S, Nashville