TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Nov 2, 2021

State Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, yesterday pleaded not guilty to charges that he violated campaign finance laws, the Daily Memphian reports. Kelsey appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey S. Frensley and surrendered his passport before being released on conditions. He is charged with one count each of conspiracy, directing “soft money” to a federal candidate, directing soft money from a state officeholder, making excessive campaign contributions and accepting excessive campaign contributions. Prosecutors allege the charges stem from Kelsey’s 2016 Congressional run. In a statement last week, Kelsey called the investigation a “political witch hunt.” He is represented by attorney Ty Howard.