Watch CBS News

Ex-State Rep. Luis Arroyo Pleads Not Guilty To Bribery Charges

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Former Illinois State Representative Luis Arroyo entered a not guilty plea in court on Tuesday to federal corruption charges.

He wanted to waive right of indictment by a grand jury and the judge accepted it.

Arroyo, 65, was arrested in October for bribing an Illinois state senator, in return for the senator's support of sweepstakes-related legislation.

The bill would have benefited one of Arroyo's lobbying clients.

Arroyo is charged with one count of federal program bribery, according to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago.

Arroyo resigned from the Illinois House.

"It has been a sincere honor and a true privilege to serve the people of the state of Illinois as its State Representative from the Third District. In doing so I took great pride in being a strong independent voice from my constituents," Arroyo wrote in his letter to Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.

He's set for a status hearing in March.

RELATED: Rep. Luis Arroyo, Charged With Bribery, Resigns From Illinois House

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.