Sen. Ward Crutchfield, long a power in Hamilton County politics, pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon to a single bribery count.

He will remain free on bond pending a sentencing hearing Nov. 28 before Federal Court Judge J. Daniel Breen in Memphis.

Afterwards, his attorney, William Farmer, said Sen. Crutchfield likely will resign from the state Senate "soon."

It will be up to the County Commission to name a temporary replacement, and Gov. Phil Bredesen will be calling a special election for the post.

Sources said the commission appointee is likely to be former County School Supt. Don Loftis.

Mr. Loftis, from Soddy-Daisy, is a Democrat like Sen. Crutchfield and has been in Nashville frequently lobbying for the county for help with the BEP.

Officials said he helped deliver a big BEP package for Hamilton County and became a favorite of Gov. Bredesen.

Commissioner John Brooks, a former county Democratic Party chairman, had been interested in the post, but is apparently no longer in the picture.

Sen. Crutchfield told Judge Breen at the close of the guilty plea, "It's an unusual experience. I understand it fully. I accept responsibility."

The former Senate Majority Leader went immediately to a state probation office with attorneys William and Jonathan Farmer and law partner Bill Pope.

Attorney Farmer afterwards told a cluster of reporters outside the Federal Building in Memphis that Sen. Crutchfield "has provided loyal and faithful service to the people of Chattanooga and the 10th Senatorial District for virtually his entire life."

He said the Crutchfield team had been prepared to go to trial Monday, but he said prosecutors came to them with an attractive plea offer.

Attorney Farmer said, "We have said from the start that this case is different from the others."

He said the prosecutor stated that Sen. Crutchfield "took a gratuity." He maintained that a gratuity "is different than a bribe."

But he said Sen. Crutchfield "takes full responsibility for his actions. He is deeply sorry and he apologizes to his family, friends and many constituents."

Attorneys said the way the plea was structured should limit any prison time the senator may have to serve.

Attorney Farmer said Sen. Crutchfield would not be required to give up his seat until the judgment in the case is final at the time of sentencing.

Sen. Crutchfield pleaded guilty to a charge of accepting a $3,000 cash payment from former county school board member Charles Love and a man who turned out to be FBI agent Joe Carson at Crutchfield's Senate office in Nashville.

Sen. Crutchfield, had earlier maintained he was innocent in the FBI's "Tennessee Waltz" sting.

The colorful longtime Democratic political leader faced one count of bribery and one count of extortion on grounds he took cash from undercover federal agents.

Sen. Crutchfield declined a statement, but he was followed by reporters to his vehicle at a nearby parking lot.

He was asked what he was going to do next and he said, "Go straight back to Chattanooga."

Asked what he would say when he got back, he said, "I'll say 'Honey, I'm home.'"

The governor's office released this statement, "Gov. Bredesen is disappointed by this revelation and saddened by today's developments. He hopes this does not overshadow Sen. Crutchfield's long and distinguished career."

Joe Haynes

Democratic Caucus Chairman Senator Joe Haynes, D-Goodlettsville, said,
"The members of the Caucus are saddened by this turn of events. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sen. Crutchfield and his family during this difficult time. It is our hope that this does not obscure what was a record of noteworthy public service. Sen. Crutchfield represented the people of his district with distinction for a very long time."

John Bailes, chairman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party, said, "It is a tragic day for a man who has done great deal for our county and state.
Today, Ward Crutchfield accepted responsibility for his actions.

"Democrats understand that everyone must take responsibility for his or her actions. And as a political party we are ready to move on.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sen. Crutchfield and his family."

The Crutchfield family dates back to the earlier days of Chattanooga, and the family once operated the Crutchfield House at the site of the Read House.

Ward Crutchfield was born in Chattanooga on Dec. 6, 1928.

He attended Clara Carpenter School and graduated from Bright School. He also attended Battle Ground Academy
and graduated from McCallie School. He attended the University of Chattanooga and gained his law degree at the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville in 1951.

After serving in the U.S. Army, he obtained his law license in 1951.

His memberships include the American Legion, Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, Temple Lodge, the Scottish Rite, Alhambra Shrine Temple and High Twelve.

He is the former chairman of the Metropolitan Government Charter Commission.

He served as a Senate member of the 83rd and 84th and 94th through 105th General Assemblies and House member of the 80th and 82nd General Assemblies.

He was the Democratic leader of the 101st through 103rd General Assemblies.

He was the former Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman.

Sen. Crutchfield was chairman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party 1970-84 and was the longtime attorney for Hamilton County Board of Education.

He was the former acting attorney for Hamilton County and served as chairman of the Hamilton County Legislative Delegation.