OAKLAND — San Leandro City Councilman Bryan Azevedo pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal charges claiming he accepted a $2,000 bribe from a fledgling housing housing company, then lied about the alleged scheme to investigators.

Wearing a dark grey suit and red tie, Azevedo said little during his first courtroom appearance on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, as well as lying to a government agency. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge.

A U.S. district judge allowed him to remain free on a $25,000 bond while the case is prosecuted. He is next scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 8.

The hearing comes just days after federal prosecutors signaled that a plea deal for the two-term councilman may be in the works. Azevedo is “close to rea

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