November 22, 2008 Mixed reaction to arrest of Councilman Turner Play video

(Prat Thakkar, NECN) - Just weeks after the arrest of Massachusetts State Senator Dianne Wilkerson, a second elected leader in Boston is facing criminal charges.

Five-term city councilor Chuck Turner was arrested at City Hall by FBI agents early this morning. According to an affidavit, Turner was videotaped taking $1,000 in cash from an undercover agent. The same informant says he also paid Wilkerson in exchange for help getting a liquor license for a Boston nightclub. 68-year-old turner was formally charged today with attempted extortion and making false statements in federal court in Worcester. he says the truth will come out.

To view Turner's full comments CLICK HERE

Angry and passionate, Boston city councilor Chuck Turner vowed to continue working for his constituents, moments after going before a federal judge for allegedly accepting a bribe and lying to FBI agents about it. Turner blasted the Boston City Council's plan to meet on Monday to discuss council actions against him.

Turner also had scathing words for Boston City Council President Maureen Feeney alleging his aides weren't being given access to phones and computers.

In a statement, Feeney denied blocking Turner or his staff from accessing the office and serving constituents, but added quote.

"I remain outraged at the recent disgrace brought to public service. The public is right to expect more from its

Turner's arrest comes weeks after State Senator Dianne Wilkerson, who also represents Boston's Roxbury neighborhood, was arrested on bribery charges.

Darnell Williams is with the Urban League of Massachusetts and has worked with Turner for 14 years... he cautions against perceiving a racial bias.