Top Boston Official Pleads Not Guilty to Extortion Charges

BOSTON (AP) - Boston's top tourism official has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he withheld required city permits and approvals from a music festival production company that hired nonunion workers.

Kenneth Brissette entered his plea Thursday in federal court after being arrested on an extortion charge. After a brief hearing, a magistrate judge ordered him released on a $25,000 unsecured bond. He was ordered to surrender his passport and limit his travel to within the U.S. while the case is pending.

Prosecutors say that in 2014, Brissette pressured the production company to hire members of the International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees. They claim that soon after the company hired eight laborers and a foreman, the city issued the needed permits.

In a statement released by his attorney, Brissette said he intends to fight what he called "false charges."

Brissette is due back in court July 12 for a status conference.