PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Latest on a bribery and extortion indictment against Philadelphia’s district attorney (all times local):
2:30 p.m.
Philadelphia’s top prosecutor has pleaded not guilty at his federal court arraignment on bribery and extortion charges.
Democratic District Attorney Seth Williams was to be released on $50,000 bond after Wednesday’s arraignment. No trial date has been set. Williams surrendered his passport and will be allowed to travel only in eastern Pennsylvania unless he gets permission to go elsewhere.
Williams is accused of taking Caribbean trips, free flights and $9,000 in cash from an unnamed business owner who sought official favors. He’s also accused of misspending $20,000 meant for a relative’s nursing home care.
The prosecutor admits he accepted more than $100,000 in gifts while in office. But his lawyer says he denies ever compromising a case and vows to fight the charges.
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12:55 p.m.
Philadelphia’s top prosecutor has entered the federal courthouse for his scheduled arrangement on bribery and extortion charges.
Democratic District Attorney Seth Williams arrived with his attorney at the courthouse Wednesday afternoon but didn’t comment to reporters.
Williams is accused of taking Caribbean trips, free flights and $9,000 in cash from an unnamed business owner who allegedly sought official favors.
Williams also is accused of misspending $20,000 meant for a relative’s nursing home care.
The prosecutor admits he accepted more than $100,000 in gifts while in office. But his lawyer says Williams denies ever compromising a case and vows to fight the charges
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8 a.m.
Philadelphia’s top prosecutor is due in federal court, where is charged with bribery and extortion.
Democratic District Attorney Seth Williams is scheduled to face a magistrate for arraignment on Wednesday.
Williams is accused of taking Caribbean trips, free flights and $9,000 in cash from an unnamed business owner who allegedly sought official favors.
Williams also is accused of misspending $20,000 meant for a relative’s nursing home care.
The prosecutor admits he accepted more than $100,000 in gifts while in office. But his lawyer says Williams denies ever compromising a case and vows to fight the charges.
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12:10 a.m.
Philadelphia’s top prosecutor admits he accepted more than $100,000 in gifts while in office, but vows to fight charges that he promised help with any court cases in return.
A bribery and extortion indictment unsealed Tuesday accuses Democratic District Attorney Seth Williams of taking Caribbean trips, free flights and $9,000 in cash from an unnamed business owner who allegedly sought official favors.
Williams also is accused of misspending $20,000 meant for a relative’s nursing home care.
The indictment caps a nearly two-year investigation into his financial affairs. Williams makes $175,000 in the top job but has said he ran into financial trouble after a divorce and while paying his daughters’ private school tuition.
The defense says Williams denies ever compromising a case. He could be arraigned as early as Wednesday.
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