Morgan Pleads Not Guilty, Gets Continuance

Former Union, South Carolina Mayor Bruce Morgan pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges stemming from an alleged kickback scheme in which Morgan was paid cash for granting government contracts to businesses.

Morgan resigned from office the day the charges were handed down.

Both Morgan and former Union zoning director Jeff Lawson were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, but their attorneys requested a continuance in order to have more time to prepare for the hearing.

The attorney for Morgan stated that his client has no plans to change his not guilty plea.

Morgan, Lawson Arraigned in Court, Await Trial

Former Union, South Carolina Mayor Bruce Morgan and former zoning manager Jeff Lawson were arraigned in a federal court in Greenville on charges of extortion.

Morgan's bond was set at $25,000, which was immediately secured by his wife, Vicki Morgan.

Lawson's bond was set at $25,000 non-surety, meaning he did not have to guarantee money or property to post bond.

Both men thus remain out of jail awaiting trial. Further hearings in the case have been set for August 20.

Morgan and Lawson are charged with accepting kickbacks from contractors in exchange for the granting of lucrative city contracts, which is a felony.

For the complete story on the arraignment, click HERE to see the front-page story in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal as posted on their website, GoUpstate.com.