ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A former New York state assemblyman has pleaded not guilty to charges that he accepted a bribe in exchange for introducing legislation designed to derail a Rochester-area retail project.
The Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester reports that Republican Joe Errigo entered his plea Wednesday in federal court. He faces charges including bribery and conspiracy. The 79-year-old Livingston County resident lost re-election last fall.
Errigo’s bill didn’t pass and authorities later acknowledged the scheme was a ruse intended to expose corruption.
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Lobbyist Robert Scott Gaddy also faces charges for allegedly participating in the scheme. He has pleaded not guilty.
Authorities say Gaddy and Errigo split $10,500 in bribes in return for the legislation.
A message left with Errigo’s attorney wasn’t immediately returned.
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