Anello makes first court appearance

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -  

The former mayor of the Cataract City made his first court appearance to face felony charges Monday.

After years of accusations and investigations, former Niagara Falls Mayor Vince Anello had to face the heat Monday.

Anello's attorney Joel Daniels said, "There was never any deal, there was never any back room understanding, there was never any underhanded arrangement at all."

Anello pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges that he accepted money in exchange for a business deal with businessman Smokin' Joe Anderson.

Assistant United States Attorney Paul Campana said, "It's a charge that he failed to disclose the fact that he had received payments from Mr. Anderson."

Anderson accepted a plea deal last week in which he admitted to paying Anello 40,000 dollars in exchange for preferential consideration in a downtown project.

Anderson's attorney Terry Connors said, "Joe, today accepted responsibility for crossing the line." (last week)

Anello's attorney denies that claim.

Daniels said, "When he went to bat for Joel Anderson to get that East Pedestrian Mall project for him, he did that because that was in the best interest of the City of Niagara Falls."

News 4's Alysha Palumbo asked, "Has he repaid the money?"

Daniels said, "We're working on that."

Anello would not answer any questions, but maintained his innocence.

Anello said, "I have committed no crime, I believe that this - my name will be cleared at the trial, and I still feel very good about the job that I did for the city of Niagara Falls."

Anello was released on his own recognizance.

If convicted, he could face up to twenty years in prison and a 250,000 dollar fine.