Davidson County General Sessions Judge Casey Moreland has resigned from the bench following his arrest on corruption charges.
Moreland announced his resignation, effective April 4, in a letter to Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and the Board of Judicial Conduct, according WKRN News 2.
Moreland was in federal court Friday for a hearing on charges that include tampering with a witness and obstruction of justice. The FBIÂ says he tried to thwart their investigation into allegations of corruption. Moreland is accused of fraud and extortion.
He had faced mounting pressure to resign from various officials, including Barry and House Speaker Beth Harwell and other lawmakers.
Moreland was released from custody Friday but has house detention and an electronic monitoring device and his cell phone will be monitored by federal government officials. His case was bound over to a grand jury.
The Associated Press reported that according to a criminal complaint, Moreland learned in February that the FBI was investigating him for possible corruption. Moreland is alleged to have extorted sexual favors as well as travel and lodging in return for official acts, such as having fines dismissed for defendants.
A female witness told the FBI she believed Moreland wanted sex in return for offering his help with her legal troubles. The two started a relationship in April 2016, according to the complaint.
With Moreland’s help, the woman avoided court costs and fines and a ticket for a suspended license, the complaint states. She also got an interlock breathalyzer removed from her car, the complaint says.
Moreland later tried to bribe her to recant her statements and also schemed to plant drugs on her to further discredit her, the complaint says.
In a February interview with WKRN, Moreland confessed to infidelity and said he had come to realize he was an alcoholic.
After being placed under investigation, Moreland stepped down from his presiding role on the bench, but said he hoped to return and complete his term once he got his life in order.
[…] Tennessee Star reported on his resignation in April and his arrest in […]
[…] 33 seat, left vacant when Councilman Sam Coleman was sworn in as a Nashville judge to replace former Judge Casey Moreland, who resigned amid a corruption scandal. District 33 covers part of Antioch. Early voting was held […]
[…] 33 seat left vacant when Councilman Sam Coleman was sworn in as a Nashville judge to replace former Judge Casey Moreland, who resigned amid a corruption scandal. District 33 covers part of Antioch. Early voting for the […]