posted May 21, 2007
Federal prosecutors claim that state Sen. Jerry Cooper was deeply in debt and used campaign funds for his personal use, according to records in Federal Court.
Judge Curtis Collier, in a 14-page memorandum opinion, ruled that the government can introduce Cooper bank records at his upcoming fraud trial in Chattanooga.
Cooper is charged with allegedly using a false appraisal to inflate the value of a lumber business he was selling and to obtain a larger loan amount than he otherwise would have been able to receive.
Prosecutors said Cooper frequently had insufficient funds in his bank account.
Attorney Jerry Summers sought to keep the bank records out, saying the prejudicial effect outweighs the probative value.
Cooper is also facing DUI charges after a serious wreck on I-24 in early February.
The Democrat from Smartt is still a member of the General Assembly.
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