Former Illinois State Rep. Luis Arroyo pleaded not guilty to a federal charge of bribery.
Arroyo moved in and out of the Dirksen Federal courthouse without speaking to the media Tuesday afternoon.
During his arraignment, Arroyo waived indictment by a grand jury.
The former state representative is alleged to have offered $2,500 a month in exchange for a state senator’s support of sweepstakes-related legislation.
The federal company stated that Arroyo had a vested interest in the arrangement as a manager of Spartacus 3 LLC, a lobbying company, which included as its clients the owner of a firm that deals in video sweepstakes machines.
U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger scheduled a status hearing for March 17, but told Arroyo he does not have to appear.
If convicted, Arroyo faces a maximum 10-year prison sentence.
