(AP) — The longtime chief of staff to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has pleaded not guilty to accusations he lied under oath to a federal grand jury investigating a bribery scheme involving electric utility Commonwealth Edison.
Timothy Mapes entered the plea Friday during a hearing conducted remotely.
U.S. District Judge John Lee said the 66-year-old Mapes will remain free pending trial.
Wednesday's indictment states Mapes was granted immunity to testify and that his words or evidence can't be used against him in a criminal case unless he committed perjury.
Mapes' attorneys have rejected the perjury allegation, contending the government's case is about Madigan.
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