Two Boston City Hall staffers reportedly pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to federal charges in connection with extorting production companies to hire union members.
The Boston Herald reports Kenneth Brissette, director of the city's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment, and Tim Sullivan, chief of staff for intergovernmental relations, were arraigned and didn't comment after the proceedings.
Brissette and Sullivan are accused of pressuring organizers of the Boston Calling music festival to hire union workers and refusing to issue permits until eight laborers and a foreman were hired between July and September 2014.
Both are out unsecured bonds and have been placed on administrative leave pending.
Mayor Marty Walsh has said he's calling for an ethics training program for all city department heads.
