MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) A federal grand jury charged the chairman of the Shelby County Commission with extortion and bribery Tuesday as part of the expanding Tennessee Waltz corruption investigation.
Michael Hooks Sr. is the first local government official indicted in the investigation that has led to similar charges against five current or former state lawmakers.
The Hooks indictment came down on the same day that state Rep. Chris Newton, R-Cleveland, pleaded guilty to trying to write laws in exchange for cash. Newton is the first lawmaker to admit guilt in the corruption investigation.
Hooks is charged with taking $24,200 in bribes to help a company called E-Cycle Management, a sham company set up by the FBI, win business contracts with Shelby County government.
The charges against Hooks carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
In addition to wining and dining state lawmakers in Nashville and Memphis, agents posing as E-Cycle representatives also met with numerous local officials in Shelby and Hamilton counties.
Court records indicate the investigation is ongoing.
