Southfield City Councilman William Lattimore appeared at the U.S. Federal District Court today and is plead not guilty to bribery charges.  His lawyer, Arlene Woods, noted earlier this week that she will usually have her client plead not guilty.

“We stand mute and waive a formal reading,” she said.
Lattimore was charged with one felony count earlier this month — of taking a bribe in August 2007 in return for his official support of a pawn broker/jewelry to set up shop in the city, according to court documents. 

Allegedly, Lattimore wrote a letter of support for Zeidman’s Jewelry and Loan to move to Southfield for a $7,500 payment from political consultant Sam Riddle via his girlfriend, former State Rep. Mary Waters.

According to federal authorities, Waters, with Riddle’s help, convinced the pawn shop owner give up $45,000 in cash and two watches worth approximately $11,000.  Afterwards, the couple allegedly paid Lattimore to write a letter of support for the business to relocate.

More documents filed in correlation with Riddle and Waters charges say payments were made to Lattimore as high as $12,500.

The federal indictment alleges that Lattimore did write a letter of support for the pawn business to relocate.

Lattimore’s court appointment is scheduled for 1 p.m. this afternoon.  He will stand before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steve Whalen.  

Yesterday, Lattimore told the press that if he did plead guilty, then he would resign from his post. Last month, he denied to reporters that he wrote any supporting letters for Zeidman’s Jewelry & Loan.  

Lattimore was released on a personal bond after his court appearance.