Calif. state Sen. Ron Calderon pleads not guilty to corruption charges

LOS ANGELES – California state Sen. Ron Calderon has pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges involving bribes, kickbacks and fraud.

Calderon, a Montebello Democrat, entered pleas to two dozen counts on Monday in a Los Angeles courtroom. The judge set trial for April.

Calderon was charged Friday with accepting $100,000 worth of bribes — including cash, lavish trips and no-show jobs for his children — in return for pushing legislation.

He could face nearly 400 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

He was expected to be released on $50,000 bond.

Calderon's brother, Tom, pleaded not guilty last week to eight counts of money laundering and conspiracy.