Lawmaker Yee Pleads Not Guilty To Charges Of Corruption, Trafficking

California State Sen. Leland Yee (D) speaks at a news conference in San Francisco, June 27, 2011.
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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Suspended California state Sen. Leland Yee has pleaded not guilty to all charges for his alleged role in a San Francisco political corruption and organized crime case.

Yee 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.

The San Francisco Democrat 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.

His campaign consultant, Keith Jackson, also pleaded not guilty Tuesday 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.

Another defendant, Raymond “Shrimp Boy” Chow, whose charges include money laundering and trafficking, did not enter a plea Tuesday.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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