California IN BRIEF : SACRAMENTO : 2 Plead Innocent in Capitol Sting Case

A former legislative aide and a one-time lobbyist pleaded innocent to charges growing out of the FBI’s investigation of state Capitol corruption. Tyrone Netters, 36, a former aide to Assemblywoman Gwen Moore (D-Los Angeles), is charged with nine counts of racketeering, extortion, conspiracy, money-laundering and tax evasion. Darryl Freeman, 43, the former lobbyist, is named in two counts of conspiracy and extortion. U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton set a tentative trial date for the pair for June 4. During the elaborate three-year sting investigation, FBI agents posed as businessmen seeking legislative favors. Moore sponsored two bills that would have helped the phony businessmen, but prosecutors earlier announced that she will not be prosecuted. Netters is accused of taking money to help shepherd the bills through the Assembly. Freeman worked as a lobbyist for the FBI’s bogus firm.