New Orleans, La. -
Former Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard and former parish attorney Tom Wilkinson both pleaded not guilty to new charges leveled against them.
The new charges include bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery. Prosecutors say Broussard had an agreement with a Kenner businessman, exchanging money for parish work.
Walking into federal court Friday morning, Aaron Broussard wouldn't talk about his case or the new charges he's facing.
"We have to stop meeting like this, people are getting suspicious," said Broussard, who is known for making colorful comments to reporters outside the courthouse.
Inside the courtroom, Broussard and Wilkinson both entered not guilty pleas. They're both charged with conspiracy to commit bribery. Broussard is also charged with five counts of bribery.
The government claims Broussard had an agreement with William Mack, the president of First Communications Company. Mack would allegedly pay Broussard money every month, in return for parish work for his company.
Wilkinson, the government alleges, knew of the deal with Broussard but allowed Mack to continue to get parish work.
Both Broussard and Wilkinson already faced charges of wire fraud and conspiracy among other things. Last week, the government announced these latest charges as part of a superseding indictment.
Both men are set to go to trial on the charges at federal court in October. But Broussard's attorney told the judge Friday that he may file a motion, requesting a change of venue for the trial.
Wilkinson's attorney told the judge he plans on filing a motion to separate the cases. He wants Wilkinson to have his own trial, away from Broussard.
Another issue to be considered is Broussard's health. He's currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer
"My status as far as my cancer is still yet undetermined. There are follow-ups. I've had 43 treatments of radiation. That's been concluded and then from here, there are tests that have to be done to determine if the cancer is still in my body or not," Broussard said.
The former parish president says he was just diagnosed with skin cancer.
FOX 8 News asked Broussard and his attorney, Robert Jenkins, if they'll ask for a trial delay. Jenkins replied, "We're going to just do what the court says."
Broussard told us, "I pay attorneys huge sums of money to make those decisions."
The attorneys for both men have until next Wednesday to file motions to either delay the trial, separate the two cases or request a change of venue. Of course it'll be up to the judge to decide if any of those motions are granted.
If convicted of all the charges against him, Broussard faces up to 485 years in prison. Wilkinson faces 435 years.
Earlier this week, William Mack entered a not guilty plea to the single charge he faces of conspiring to commit bribery. But his attorney says he's cooperating with the government and will soon change his plea to guilty.
Broussard arriving to court with his attorney
