Judge holds separate trials for Massachusetts politicians

BOSTON - A federal judge has refused to throw out corruption charges against a former Massachusetts state senator and a Boston city councilor, but has agreed to hold separate trials for them.

Judge Douglas Woodlock on Wednesday rejected motions by former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson and Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner to dismiss attempted extortion and other charges against them.

Woodlock split their trials. Wilkerson is set to begin June 21, and Turner's on Oct. 12.

Prosecutors claim Wilkerson took $23,500 in bribes to help get a liquor license for a nightclub and for helping an undercover agent posing as a businessman who wanted to develop state property.

Turner is accused of taking $1,000 from a local businessman working with the FBI who said he needed help getting a liquor license.