Mechams Plead Not Guilty to Election Counts

Embattled Gov. Evan Mecham pleaded innocent today to six counts of allegedly concealing and lying about a $350,000 campaign contribution and defiantly predicted that he would be cleared.

Mecham’s brother, Willard, named on three counts, also pleaded innocent as the two men made a brief appearance before Maricopa County Superior Court Commissioner Patrick O’Neil.

O’Neil ordered the Mechams to stand trial on March 9.

“How do you plead?” O’Neil asked the governor.

“Not guilty,” Mecham replied.

The Mechams were charged with perjury, fraud and filing false campaign contribution and expense reports.

The Mechams were indicted for allegedly hiding a loan from Tempe developer Barry Wolfson when the governor’s campaign and personal financial disclosure statements were filed with the state. Amended forms later were filed, showing the loan.

As Mecham left the courthouse, he was asked if he is still confident.

‘Yes, I’m Confident’

“Hell yes, I’m confident,” Mecham said. “I’m not guilty. Doesn’t that give you some understanding that I’m confident?”

The governor has said his brother, who was his campaign treasurer in 1986, made an “honest mistake” in not detailing the loan on the original reports.

If convicted, Mecham, the state’s first Republican governor in 12 years, would be removed from office and face up to nearly 22 years in jail.