TUCSON - An associate of indicted Ariz. Rep. Rick Renzi pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges he conspired with the congressman.
Texas real estate investor James W. Sandlin is accused in a 27-count indictment along with Renzi with extortion and conspiring to promote a land swap.
The charges accuse the 56-year-old from Sherman, Texas, and Renzi of conspiring to craft a swap of federal land benefiting both men. The charges include wire fraud, extortion and money laundering and conspiracy.
Sandlin was released without bail after his arraignment in U.S. District Court in Tucson. He and his lawyer both declined to comment.
Renzi pleaded not guilty to the charges on Tuesday.
Renzi and another co-defendant are also charged with eight other counts.
