The political future of State Senator Katrina Robinson (D-Memphis) is up in the air.
This, after federal jurors in October convicted Robinson of four of five counts of wire fraud. Court officials are scheduled to sentence her next month, according to the Memphis-based Action News 5.
Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) told The Times News this week that members of the Senate’s Committee are examining the matter.
“I think what they’re looking at is the plea agreement where she did admit to committing felonies,” McNally reportedly said.
“It will be up to them to make recommendations.”
Robinson has not addressed the matter this week on her social media pages.
Federal officials accused Robinson of using federal grant money awarded to a health care school – The Healthcare Institute (THI) – that she operates. They accused her of using $600,000 from the school to pay for her wedding, a political campaign event, and other personal expenses such as designer purses and vacations.
In September, federal officials acquitted Robinson on 15 possible fraud and embezzlement charges that had the potential of a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Johnson City-based WJHL reported in September that McNally called on Robinson to step down.
“While Senator Robinson’s convictions did not stem from actions taken while in office, they are nevertheless very serious. As public servants, we are held to a higher standard. My personal opinion is that it would be in the best interest of the state and her constituents for Senator Robinson to step down at this time,” McNally said at the time.
The THI website said the school launched in July 2015.
“The program garnered the support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, securing $1.6M for the funding of its Educate to Empower program – a dual focus program to educate more Certified Nursing Assistants for entry into the geriatric workforce and to provide community education to the geriatric population of Shelby County, TN,” the website said.
The website also said Robinson secured this federal grant “with no formal training or education in grant writing.”
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star and The Georgia Star News. Follow Chris on Facebook, Twitter, Parler, and GETTR. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “State Senator Katrina Robinson” by State Senator Katrina Robinson.
Yep, a criminal record is a resume enhancement for demon fascists!
the fact she is still where she is tells you all you need to know about memphis politics and dem politicians
Mcdonalds and Burger king king are hiring. She is no longer qualified for the Dog Catcher position.
There’s a question about Robinson’s political future? Really? She is a convicted criminal. There shouldn’t be any doubt about her future…… behind bars in an Orange jumpsuit.
a memphis politician is a crook? there’s a shock.
she’ll end up getting a democrat promotion
You forget, Memphis is where the “It” clown actor Cohen resides over, so…there’s that.
I stopped reading after D from Memphis. That tells me all I need to know. Lock her up!
Only being from Memphis could she have a political future! A fine Democrat!!
She should have NO political future.