Could Wind Up Testifying Against Ward Crutchfield, Chris Newton
posted August 10, 2005
 Charles Love |
Lee Davis, one of his attorneys, said depending upon the Federal Court in Memphis, Love could enter the guilty pleas as early as next Thursday.
In papers mailed to attorneys in the case and filed in Federal Court in Memphis, Love says he will plead guilty on charges of conspiracy to bribe Sen. Ward Crutchfield of Chattanooga and Rep. Chris Newton of Cleveland.
The motion asks that both cases be consolidated under Judge Daniel Breen, so he can hear the pleas and set the sentence.
The move apparently means that Love may wind up testifying for the government against the two prominent area legislators.
Attorney Davis said, "We anticipate he will be truthful and cooperative."
Love has not yet given up his seat on the School Board. Attorney Davis said he understands he would not be required to until the judgment on the guilty plea is final - at the sentencing.
Love had been charged in the Tennessee Waltz sting as being a "bagman" who delivered money to legislators for their agreement to support certain bills.
The other alleged bagman, Barry Myers, an associate of various Memphis politicians, entered a guilty plea last week in Memphis.
Love earlier pleaded not guilty, but the new papers say he plans to change that plea.
Myers was the first of seven persons indicted in the FBI sting to plead guilty.
Myers was accused of transferring cash to Sen. Kathryn Bowers and former Sen. Roscoe Dixon, Memphis Democrats who are charged in the case.
Love worked with Crutchfield and Newton, officials said.
The Love motions were sent to attorneys for Crutchfield and Newton.
They ask that the two Love cases be consolidated and heard by Judge Breen. One of the cases was assigned to another federal judge in Memphis.
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