Former Virginia Del. Phil Hamilton, R-Newport News, denied Monday that he accepted a bribe in exchange for securing funding for a teacher’s center at Old Dominion University.
From the Virginian-Pilot:
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Hamilton said his support for the training initiative was a natural outgrowth of a years-long interest as a professional educator in training school leaders. The Newport News Republican is a retired school administrator.
Hamilton was indicted in January for his role in allegedly securing money for Old Dominion University in exchange for a job at a teachers’ center associated with the school.
The former vice chairman of the House Appropriations committee helped secure $500,000 in state funds for the center in 2007, and was paid $80,000 over two years.
Hamilton, who has pleaded not guilty, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. He would also have to forfeit the $80,000 he was paid. Hamilton lost his seat in the House of Delegates in 2009 after the issue came to light, and subsequently resigned his post.
