Foggo is accused of using his position at the CIA to steer lucrative contracts to Wilkes company ADCS. At the same time, prosecutors say Wilkes gave Foggo tens of thousands of dollars in meals, gifts and lavish trips including a $44,000 vacation to a Scottish castle. Foggo and Wilkes grew up together in Chula Vista and have been close friends since high school.
Prosecutors say the two men created shell companies and straw men to hide their fraud.
Wilkes also pleaded not guilty to additional charges of conspiracy, money laundering and bribery. Federal prosecutors say Wilkes paid former Congressman Randy Duke Cunningham more than $700,000 in bribes consisting of cash, furniture, vacations and even prostitution services. Wilkes' not guilty plea this morning comes more than a year after Cunningham admitted taking those bribes. He is serving an eight year sentence in a Tucson prison.
Wilkes is free on a $2 million bond. Foggo was ordered to post a $200,000 bond. For his defense, Wilkes hired celebrity attorney Mark Geragos, who also represented Michael Jackson and Scott Peterson. Geragos said in court he wants to fast track his client's case with Foggo. He said the bribery case stemming from the Cunningham investigation is more complex.
Outside the courthouse, Geragos said Wilkes is looking forward to his day in court.
The next court hearing in the case is in April.
