NYC Correction Officers' Union Leader On Fraud Charges: 'Absolutely Not Guilty'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Norman Seabrook, the leader of the union that represents New York City correction officers, pleaded not guilty Friday to federal fraud charges.

Seabrook is accused of accepting $60,000 in bribes for steering $20 million in union retirement and operation funds into a hedge fund.

WEB EXTRA: Read The Complaint

He spoke briefly outside his court appearance.

"Absolutely not guilty, no question about it," he said. "We will be vindicated. God is a good God. Thank you so much."

Hedge fund manager Murray Huberfeld also pleaded not guilty Friday morning. He is charged with fraud and conspiracy in the case.

According to the complaint, both Seabrook and Huberfeld face one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit honest wire fraud.

Seabrook has been president of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association for 21 years. He has been suspended without pay from the Correction Department pending the investigation by the city.