Former Treasurer Hafer, Businessman Plead Not Guilty In Corruption Case

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Former Pennsylvania Treasurer Barbara Hafer and a businessman have pleaded not guilty to federal charges.

Hafer and Richard Ireland were arraigned Monday in federal court in Harrisburg and released on their own recognizance with a trial date set for Oct. 4.

The former two-term state treasurer is accused of making false statements to federal agents in a May interview to conceal payments of $500,000 from a businessman's firm after leaving office.

Ireland is accused of charges related to money laundering in what authorities allege was an attempt to bribe another former treasurer with secret campaign contributions.

Hafer and defense attorney John Knorr declined comment, but he has said that the charges are based on little more than her memory lapses. Ireland declined comment through his attorney.

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