All three of the defendants named in indictments released yesterday pleaded not guilty in federal court this morning to charges including money laundering and honest services wire fraud.
Brent Wilkes, Kyle “Dusty” Foggo, and New York-based mortgage broker John T. Michael were each accompanied by attorneys and stood solemnly as the charges against them were read. Wilkes pleaded not guilty to a charge of bribing a public official.
(Michael is charged with one count of obstruction of justice for allegedly providing false testimony to a grand jury as part of an investigation into the mortgages and sale of homes belonging to former Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham.)
The condition for Wilkes’ release is a $2 million bond, which will be secured by real property — including the equity on his Poway home and two of his brothers’ homes — and a $500,000 bond. Foggo was required to post a $200,000 bond, and Michael was required to post a $250,000 bond.
After the arraignment, Wilkes’ lawyer, Mark Geragos, told reporters that after an “unrelenting campaign” over 18 months of leaks to the media about the details included in the charges, he and Wilkes welcomed the opportunity to confront the allegations in the courtroom. He said Wilkes would be making a statement later today. Check back for that statement later.
Foggo and his counsel fought through a throng of reporters and cameras and without making a statement.
The next step in the legal process for the indicted will be a hearing on April 2.