Friday May 11 11:55 AM ET Rep. Traficant Pleads Innocent

By THOMAS J. SHEERAN, Associated Press Writer

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) - Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. pleaded innocent Friday to a 10-count indictment charging him with taking kickbacks from staff members and payoffs from people looking for favors.

Traficant, a nine-term Democrat who successfully defended himself against bribery charges 18 years ago, also won permission to represent himself, although he is not a lawyer.

He was released on a $50,000 signature bond and may travel outside northeast Ohio only to go to Washington on business and only with prior approval.

Traficant, 60, was indicted last week on charges that include racketeering, bribery and conspiracy. If convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to 63 years in prison and fined $2.2 million.

U.S. District Judge Lesley Wells, who will preside at Traficant's trial, ruled that he understood the risks of representing himself. However, she said, ``I think it is unwise.''

When Wells asked him if he grasped the potential hazards, Traficant responded, ``That is an asinine question.''

Prosecutors said that while Traficant has the right to act as his own lawyer, he is not due special leeway if he does.

Afterward, during the arraignment with federal Magistrate Judge George Limbert, Traficant waived a reading of the indictment.

``I plead not guilty,'' he said.

``All 10 counts?'' Limbert asked.

``By reason of sanity,'' Traficant responded, prompting chuckles in the courtroom.

Traficant represented himself in 1983 when he was accused of taking mob bribes. He was acquitted after he convinced the jury that he was running a sting against the mob, though he had not yet been sworn in as sheriff.

The trial was scheduled for next February.

Prosecutors allege Traficant sought bribes from businessmen, including two who have no criminal record.

Traficant is also accused of demanding that contractors make free improvements to his farm and directing his congressional employees to work at the farm. He also allegedly forced some members of his staff to kick back part of their pay.

-- Anonymous, May 11, 2001