AP News, January 9th, 2007
FBI agents had to break a window at a city alderman's home to get inside Monday to arrest her on a federal bribery charge, authorities said.
Alderman Arenda Troutman is accused of accepting $5,000 to help a fictitious developer move forward on a building project.
In return for the money and the promise of more, she agreed to back the bogus developer in getting zoning changes and alley access for a proposed development in her ward, according to federal authorities who unsealed a criminal complaint Monday after an undercover investigation.
Prosecutors say Troutman also expected to receive another $10,000 in cash and a $5,000 political contribution, authorities said. They said she negotiated for both commercial and residential space at the proposed development.
Defense attorney Sam Adam Jr. said Troutman is innocent and plans to plead not guilty.
"I can tell you that we categorically deny every single allegation," Adam said after her court appearance.
Troutman had opened a third-floor window when FBI agents knocked on her door but closed it after the agents said they wanted to talk with her, said agent Robert Grant.
The agents also asked a nanny, who spoke through another window, to let them inside and called the home several times with no response, Grant said. After 20 to 30 minutes, the agents broke a window to open a door and enter.
Troutman was taken into custody about 7 a.m. Monday. Authorities also searched her ward office. She does not have to resign as alderman while dealing with the charges but would lose her City Council seat if convicted.
