WBRZ - Baton Rouge

NEW ORLEANS - The Kenner businessman accused of bribing former Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard has pleaded not guilty in federal court in New Orleans.

Bill Mack entered the plea Tuesday during his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Knowles III.

The Times-Picayune reports Knowles also set Mack's trial for Oct. 9 before U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown. But that could change. Prosecutors charged Mack last week in a bill of information instead of seeking a grand jury indictment, often an indication that a defendant has already agreed with the government to plead guilty and testify against others.

Mack, owner of First Communications Co., allegedly paid $66,000 to Broussard over a four-year period for helping in securing Jefferson Parish government contracts.