California senator pleads not guilty to corruption
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A suspended California state senator has pleaded not guilty to all charges for his alleged role in a San Francisco political corruption and organized crime case.
Sen. Leland Yee is accused of conspiring to connect an undercover FBI agent with a Philippine arms dealer in exchange for campaign contributions, and of trading political influence for cash.
The San Francisco Democrat entered his pleas in federal court on Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to traffic in firearms without a license and illegally import firearms, and six counts of engaging in a scheme to defraud citizens of honest services.
His campaign consultant, Keith Jackson, also pleaded not guilty to murder-for-hire, corruption, conspiracy and firearms trafficking charges.
Yee, Jackson and 18 others were formally indicted last week after being arrested March 26.
