November 21, 2008 Boston politician Chuck Turner accused of taking a bribe Play video

(NECN: Josh Brogadir, Worcester, Mass.) - Just weeks after the arrest of Massachusetts state Senator Dianne Wilkerson, a second Boston politician is facing criminal charges. City Councilor Chuck Turner was arrested by FBI agents this morning.

He appeared in U.S. District Court in Worcester this afternoon for an initial appearance on federal attempted extortion charges. He's also accused of lying to the FBI who questioned him about receiving $1,000 in a bribe at his district office.

It is the same scandal that also involves former state Senator Wilkerson. She resigned from her Senate seat on Wednesday.

Click here for reaction from Boston Mayor Tom Menino.

Turner maintains his innocence. He said he is "absolutely positive" that a jury of his peers will come to the conclusion that he is innocent.