TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jun 13, 2024

Former state Sen. Brian Kelsey wants to withdraw his guilty plea in a federal fraud case, and made the case for being allowed to do so before a panel of judges on the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Kelsey previously received a 21-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to campaign finance violations. During the hearing, the judges noted that Kelsey could face more prison time if found guilty again. They also heard arguments from Kelsey’s lawyers that the prosecutor’s response to a question from the trial judge “blew up” the plea agreement. Prosecutors argued they provided a “proportionate” response to a question about whether a sentencing enhancement was appropriate in the case. A federal district court judge previously ruled that Kelsey could not change his plea. Tennessee Journal reports on the hearing.