A federal prosecutor told Hamilton County School Board member Charles Love on Friday morning he could get up to 20 years in prison on bribery charges.
Love, who was indicted by a federal Grand Jury in Memphis, made his initial court appearance in Chattanooga before Magistrate Susan Lee.
His attorney, Bryan Hoss, said Love was not willing to plead guilty at this time. Magistrate Lee said under a guilty plea, the case could be handled here instead of Memphis.
An arraignment for Love was set in Memphis on June 8 at 9:30 a.m. CDT.
He will be free on his own recognizance pending the hearing.
Love had reported to the Federal Building earlier, eluding cameras that showed up later prior to the 10 a.m. hearing. Afterward, he ducked out a side door.
He appeared in a dark business suit and was not handcuffed.
Love was described in indictments as a "bag man" who funneled money to state legislators for sponsoring legislation.
Also indicted after the FBI set up a bogus firm called E-Cycle were Sen. Ward Crutchfield, Rep. Chris Newton, Sen. Kathryn Bowers, Sen. John Ford, former Sen. Roscoe Dixon and an associate of Dixon from Memphis.
Prosecutor John MacCoon said Love is facing up to 20 years on a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion and up to five years for conspiracy to commit theft or bribery involving programs that receive federal funds.
Attorney Hoss said afterward, "This was a case that shocked the community. But the government has had over two years to investigate the case, and we have had one day."
He said, "The people here know Charles. He's been elected. He has a lot of supporters. We ask that you just pray for him and his family."
Attorney Hoss said he did not know if he will stay in the case or if another lawyer will be hired or named to handle the case in Memphis. Love recently filed for bankruptcy.
County School officials said for the time being, Love is still on the school board and Crutchfield is still the board attorney. He is paid $53,000 a year for that service.
In his bankruptcy, Love said he owes money to AAA Check Cashing of Highway 58, Abbra Auto Glass of International Drive, Albert Russell, AmSouth Bank of Tuscaloosa, Ala., Badcock Furniture of Brainerd Road, Brewer Broadcasting, Bruce Baird Company of Broad Street, the Credit Bureau of North America, Ford Motor Credit Company, Household Mart, Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company, Memorial Hospital, Midas Auto Services of Brainerd Road, Providian, his wife, Sandra Love, Stone and Hinds PC of Knoxville, SunTrust Bank of Market Street, Title Max of Lee Highway, the city of Chattanooga and the IRS.