DC Councilmember Trayon White pleads not guilty to bribery charges

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — D.C. Council member Trayon White pleaded not guilty to federal bribery charges on Thursday afternoon.

Thursday’s plea comes a week after White was formally indicted on that charge.

Prosecutors revealed White was offered a plea deal in late August which he rejected earlier this month.

DC News Now asked White’s attorney to share more information about the plea deal he rejected.

“I have nothing to say at all,” White’s lawyer, Frederick Cooke, Jr. responded.

Court documents revealed photos showing White allegedly accepting thousands of dollars in cash bribes in exchange for helping secure D.C. government contracts for businesses.

After the hearing, DC News Now asked White if he had a message for Ward 8 to which he responded:

“God is good, God is good. WARD 8 STRONG!”

With another election just 53 days away, White’s campaign said his name will stay on the ballot for the Ward 8 council spot.

“The people of Ward 8 are going to need their councilmember to show up and do the work. that’s why he’s continuing his run. we’re gonna keep campaigning. we’ll see you there Ward 8,” said White’s campaign manager Fria Moore.

White isn’t scheduled to appear in court again until Nov. 13 which is after the election.

The D.C. Council has formed its own committee to investigate White.

All eyes will be back on White and the council on Monday as they meet for the first time after summer recess.

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