County Official Convicted in Sting
A federal jury convicted the first public official in an undercover corruption sting known as “Tennessee Waltz.”
Hamilton County Commissioner William Cotton, 58, was found guilty of conspiring with a lobbyist to extort $4,750 in bribes in exchange for supporting a resolution to benefit a phony company created by the FBI.
Cotton was also convicted on one count of attempted extortion. Each charge carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Seven officials -- including five current or former state lawmakers -- have been indicted in connection with the sting, which became public in May.
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