Trenton Mayor Tony Mack Pleads Not Guilty to Corruption

Politician’s lawyer says no evidence has been presented supporting the charges

The mayor of New Jersey’s capital city and two associates pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in a federal corruption case, which prosecutors say is laced with secretive meetings and payments code-named “Uncle Remus.” Trenton Mayor Tony Mack, who still holds office, his brother Ralphiel Mack and another associate appeared before a federal judge in Trenton to enter their pleas. The maximum penalties for the charges could amount to 110 years in prison for Mayor Mack, 46, and his brother Ralphiel, 40; and 130 years for the third associate. The three were arrested in September for their alleged roles in extorting more than $100,000 in payments from a group developing a public parking garage. Mayor Mack’s lawyer, Mark G. Davis, told reporters he would ask for a case postponement. "I have not seen any evidence," Davis said. "Everyone is going to need more time, not just myself. [Mayor Mack] is going to keep his job until state law says otherwise," he added, responding to calls by Gov. Chris Christie for the embattled mayor to step down. (Reuters)

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