NEW YORK, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- A New York city councilman entered a not guilty plea Tuesday to federal charges of money laundering, extortion and fraud.
Larry Seabrook, who just won a third term on the council representing a Bronx district, was allowed to remain free on a $500,000 personal recognizance bond, The New York Times reported. He entered his plea during a brief appearance before a federal magistrate in Manhattan.
Seabrook was named in a 13-count indictment. He is charged with abusing earmarks used to fund non-profit organizations, arranging funding for groups that did more for his family and friends than for the public.
Federal investigators say he also helped a close friend get a contract for two boilers at the new Yankee Stadium and even cheated the city of petty cash by changing a $7 receipt for a sandwich and soda to $177.
Council Speaker Christine Quinn said Seabrook has been referred to the Standards and Ethics Committee.
