Former defense lobbyist pleads not guilty to funneling hundreds of thousands to politicians

Ex-lobbyist pleads not guilty to illegal donations

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The owner of a now-defunct defense lobbying firm has pleaded not guilty to charges that he funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal campaign contributions.

Paul Magliocchetti entered his not guilty plea Friday at federal court in Alexandria, Va. Prosecutors allege that Magliocchetti, who had close ties to the defense subcommittee’s former chairman, Rep. John Murtha, funneled contributions to members of Congress under other people’s names.

His son, Mark Magliocchetti, has already entered a guilty plea in federal court and is expected to be a witness at his father’s trial.

A trial date for Paul Magliocchetti was set for Oct. 5.

Paul Magliocchetti, of Amelia Island, Fla., declined to comment after Friday’s hearing.