NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A former Tennessee House Speaker's chief of staff is asking a federal judge to let him avoid prison time and thousands of dollars in fines while he appeals his fraud conviction.

Cade Cothren, who served as chief of staff to former House Speaker Glen Casada, filed two separate motions requesting to remain out of jail and to strike down his financial penalties.

Cothren was sentenced last month to two and a half years in prison, one year of probation and a $25,000 fine for his role in a state mailing scheme involving fake identities. With additional penalties, his total fines amount to $37,200.

In his motions, Cothren argues he cannot afford to pay the fines. He also requests to delay his prison sentence, claiming his appeal raises legitimate legal questions that

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