An indicted figure in the “Tennessee Waltz” public corruption investigation claims recorded transcripts, newly released by a Memphis television station, demonstrate he was a victim of racial profiling. The claim is at odds with statements made late last year to NashvillePost.com by government informant Tim Willis, who steadfastly maintained he carefully followed law enforcement instructions to conduct the sting operation in a racially balanced manner.

A lawyer for former state Sen. Roscoe Dixon says racial profiling is apparent in the recorded comments of former Dixon aide Barry Myers, who is heard advising Willis not to approach white legislators.

As reported by the Memphis television station, WMC-TV, attorneys for Dixon released transcripts of a conversation between bagman Barry Myers and government informant Tim Willis. The conversation details Myers feeling that only African-Americans should be targeted for pay-offs.

The transcript reported by WMC-TV states;

"Government informant Tim Willis telling bagman Barry Myers, "I, I wanted to use some Republicans. You understand what I'm sayin'?"

Myers says "I, I, I would definitely say don't give no Republicans no money."

Willis responds, "really."

That's when Myers says, "'Cause Paul Stanley's very ethical, very, you know, Tre Haggard {sic} and all, don't, don't spend no money on no white boys hands like that."

Myers goes on to say, "so you askin' for it, I mean, them white boys, ain't going with it. White boys like Paul Stanley... that represents Germantown and all that s**t."

Tim Willis says, "uh-huh."

Myers responds, "they ain't goin' with all that kinda'... Stuff man."

"Far as i'm sayin' pass money, I wouldn't do it with the white boys."

Myers goes on, "It's just the n****s that you want to be payin'""

Late last year, NashvillePost.com was able to obtain the only on-the-record interview to date with Willis about his role in the investigation.

Willis was asked about allegations made by defendants that the FBI targeted blacks in the investigation. “No way,” he insisted.

“There were so many steps taken to make sure that this does not look like a racially motivated investigation,” he said. “There was no set target of anyone… If I were talking to two or three black Democrats, I in essence had to talk to two or three white Democrats or Republicans as well, just to make sure everything balanced out.”