Former Deputy State Treasurer Amer Ahmad has pleaded not guilty to charges in a bribery and money laundering scheme. Ohio Public Radio's Andy Chow reports.
Amer Ahmad had nothing to say as he walked out of federal court in Columbus Monday. The former deputy state treasurer is fighting accusations that he showed favoritism to a certain Ohio business in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The charges include conspiracy, bribery and money laundering.
In court, Ahmad sat quietly as federal prosecutor Doug Squires read each charge. Altogether, Ahmad faces up to 60 years in prison if found guilty.
His alleged co-conspirator, Mohammed Noure Alo, faces similar charges. He also plead not guilty.
The indictment says Ahmad hired Douglas Hampton’s company to conduct several lucrative securities trades in exchange for a kickback of more than $500,000 disguised as legal fees and loans to a company Ahmad partially owned.
Prosecutors confirmed that Hampton and Ahmad’s business partner… Joseph Chiavaroli (Shi-VAH-roli) already plead guilty to offenses related to this case.
According to the indictment… Ahmad’s alleged actions occurred in 2009 and 2010 when former state Treasurer Kevin Boyce was in office.
Boyce could not be reached for comment on the case.
After serving in the treasurer’s office… Ahmad became comptroller for the city of Chicago under Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Ahmad stepped down from his post earlier this month.
Both he and Alo are expected back in court on October 21.