Almost a dozen local and state lawmakers were indicted in Tennessee Waltz a decade ago. One of those indicted, former Shelby County Commissioner Michael Hooks.
Ten years ago this year, Hooks pleaded guilty to bribery. He admitted to taking money to help a company secure a county contract for a company that, at the time, he didn’t know was part of an FBI sting.
Since getting out of prison, he’s kept a low profile. Which is why, when we ran into him at a University of Memphis event, we asked him a few questions.
“It was an egregious mistake, you know. That’s all. I wish I could take it back, but I know I can’t,” said Hooks.
Former state Senator John Ford and other politicians were either convicted or admitted to taking bribes in Operation Tennessee Waltz, including former Shelby County lawmakers Roscoe Dixon and Katheryn Bowers. Hooks still questions why certain lawmakers were targeted by the FBI.
“It’s always been a mystery to us how we selected as targets,” said Hooks.
Hooks pleaded guilty to one count of bribery and was sentenced to 15 months. More than a decade later, the former Shelby County commissioner says, despite why it happened, the public has benefitted. Saying it changed how business was done in Nashville and locally.
“I think, probably, the good thing about it is that many of those who weren’t targeted cleaned up their act from the very top to the very bottom,” said Hooks.
Hooks has kept a low profile since getting out of prison and has returned to working in the real estate business. He wants to put the past behind him.
“I’ve done my time, got my rights back. It’s something I don’t wish on anybody,” said Hooks.
His message to those who’ve wondered what he’s been up to all these years?
“I’m loving life, enjoying all the advantages of falling down and standing back up.”
As for the other lawmakers indicted in the Tennessee Waltz, they are now out of prison.
Hooks says on occasion he sees former state Senator John Ford around town at funerals and he is on a community diabetes board with former lawmaker Roscoe Dixon.
