Hartford, Conn., councilwoman pleads not guilty in probe involving mayor

Conn. councilwoman pleads not guilty

HARTFORD, Conn. — A city councilwoman has pleaded not guilty to a charge in the Connecticut state corruption investigation of Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez and the city’s government.

Councilwoman Veronica Airey-Wilson entered the plea Friday in Hartford Superior Court and was given a Nov. 6 court date. The Hartford councilwoman is charged with fabricating evidence for records that show she paid a city contractor for a home improvement.

Another defendant, businessman Carlos Lopez of Farmington, also entered a not guilty plea. He was charged with fraudulently voting in Hartford elections.

Last week, the mayor pleaded not guilty to charges he tried to extort money from a real estate developer. He also has a pending bribery case. The mayor denies any wrongdoing.