AP News, July 11th, 2007
A Milwaukee alderman shook down businesses in his district as recently as April, according to a federal indictment released Wednesday.
A federal grand jury indicted Michael I. McGee Jr. on Tuesday on five felony counts of bribery, three of extortion and one financial-related violation. U.S. District Judge Rudolph T. Randa ordered him to remain behind bars until his trial, citing concerns that McGee would attempt to intimidate witnesses if he was freed on bail.
The indictment accuses McGee of shaking down businesses as recently as April 18. He sought about $20,000 on April 10 from a business owner who wanted a zoning change and liquor license, the indictment said.
McGee is due in federal court Monday for a preliminary hearing.
He also has an arraignment scheduled Friday in state court on charges that he conspired to arrange a beating, as well as a series of charges related to the April 3 recall election he won.
Calvin Malone, McGee's court-appointed federal attorney, left the detention hearing without commenting. Asked if an appeal was possible, he replied: "There are always options."
Glenn Givens, who represents McGee on the state charges, has said McGee, who is black, is the victim of an unfair, racially biased prosecution. Authorities misinterpreted the street slang used by McGee and others on the beating allegation, Givens has said.
Each extortion count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, while the bribery counts carry a maximum 10 years in prison. The financial charge is punishable by a maximum five-year prison term.
