Suspended Senator Leland Yee shambled into San Francisco's federal courthouse this morning amid a processional of lawyers -- each representing one of the 29 defendants named in a sprawling federal indictment.
Wearing a dark suit and a put-upon expression, his new attorney James Lassart in tow, Yee pled not guilty to the array of charges against him, which include public corruption and international arms trafficking.
Two weeks ago the senator was arrested in his Richmond District home during a massive FBI sting that also nailed political consultant Keith Jackson and Chinatown gangster Raymond "Shrimp Boy" Chow.
Jackson also pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including gun running and murder-for-hire. Chow's lawyer Tony Serra didn't enter a plea, saying that he needed more time to acquaint himself with the material. Not all the defendants were present, suggesting this procedure may stretch on indefinitely.
The defendants will reappear in court this Friday before Judge Charles Breyer.
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