Federal New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, a vocal FEMA critic in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges Wednesday. Nagin is accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks from city contractors, including $50,000 in free granite for his family's countertop business, in the wake of the storm. His court hearing was his first public appearance in the city he led for eight years since a federal grand jury handed down a 21-count public corruption indictment in January, according to Reuters. Nagin, who said little to the media and the judge, pleaded not guilty to all charges, including bribery, wire fraud, filing false tax returns, conspiracy and money laundering. His bond was set at $100,000 and he was ordered to surrender his passport. U.S. Magistrate Judge Sally Shushan also limited his travel to Louisiana and Texas and will not be able to visit any other state without court approval. His trial date was set for April 29.
