Carpenter Pleads Not Guilty to Political Corruption Charges

Board of Equalization member Paul Carpenter pleaded not guilty Thursday to four counts of extortion, racketeering and conspiracy stemming from an undercover FBI investigation of corruption in the state Capitol.

The former state senator from Norwalk, looking grim and tense, appeared briefly in federal court for arraignment on the charges. Asked how he would plead, Carpenter said in a clear voice, “Innocent on all counts.”

Afterward, Carpenter stared straight ahead as he walked past reporters and television cameras without saying a word. Similarly, Carpenter’s attorney, Richard Crane of Los Angeles, refused to acknowledge questions from reporters as the two left the courthouse.

“We don’t think the trial should be in the hallways of the courthouse,” said Jerry Goldberg, a spokesman for Carpenter. “As the trial gets moving along, you will find that we have a very good defense and the senator will be vindicated.”

The indictment against Carpenter charges that as a state senator, he attempted on six occasions to extort money from citizens seeking passage of legislation.

The indictment against Carpenter is similar to the case against former state Sen. Joseph B. Montoya, who was convicted last month of seven counts of extortion, racketeering and money-laundering.

Since 1986, Carpenter has served as a member of the tax board representing southern and central Los Angeles County. All of the counts against him, however, date from his days in the state Senate. As a senator, he rose within Democratic ranks to hold the post of caucus chairman--in which he served as the chief political fund-raiser for his fellow Democratic senators.

Carpenter is free without bail pending trial, which could take place as early as this summer. Up for reelection this year, he is facing five Democratic challengers in the June 5 primary.