Newton says he’s getting support from colleagues, constituents

“You find out who your true friends are during times of tribulations like this,” the Cleveland Republican said. “I’ve had colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, who have called just to check up on me the last few days. I truly appreciate that.”

Also charged last month in the sting are Sens. Kathryn Bowers, Ward Crutchfield, John Ford and former state Sen. Roscoe Dixon, all Democrats. Ford has resigned from the state Senate and Dixon resigned as the assistant chief administrative officer of Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton.

Two others, Charles Love, a lobbyist from Chattanooga, and Barry Myers, a Memphis resident, are charged with being “bagmen” for the payoffs.

The undercover sting called “Tennessee Waltz” was built around E-Cycle Management Inc., a fake company set up by the FBI.

Investigators say Newton, who has stepped down as chairman of the House Constitutional Protections subcommittee, took money to help push legislation for the bogus company.

Newton said he has been told by his attorney not to talk about the arrest, even though he’d like to.

“People who really know me know I love to talk and am never at a loss for words,” Newton said. “But I’m just not at liberty to say anything right now, and that absolutely kills me.”

Asked if he plans to stay in office while he fights the charge and, if successful, to seek another political office, Newton said he’s “taking this one day at a time.”

Bradley County Republican Chairman Stephen Crump said Newton’s decision whether to seek re-election is “his to make.”

“I would just add that we should wait and let the court system run its course,” Crump said. “We intend not to let this serve as a distraction in any way in the upcoming elections, regardless of what he decides.”

Cleveland is 23 miles northeast of Chattanooga.