LOS ANGELES (AP) - A Los Angeles real estate developer has pleaded not guilty to charges that he made illegal donations to local politicians while pushing for them to support his $72 million apartment project.
Samuel Leung was charged in February with conspiring to launder campaign contributions and bribery. The Los Angeles Times says the 67-year-old declined to comment after entering his plea on Monday.
Prosecutors say Leung funneled money through family members, employees and associates to get land rezoned for a 325-unit apartment building. Many donors allegedly were reimbursed by Leung and an associate.
A committee for Eric Garcetti’s successful campaign for mayor received $60,000 and Janice Hahn, who is now a Los Angeles County supervisor, received $35,000 in her successful run for Congress.
No politicians were charged in the scheme.
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Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com/
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