The mayor of Hartford, Conn. is accused to trying to extort $250,000 from a real estate developer who wanted to purchase city-owned property.

Mayor Eddie Perez pleaded not guilty to the allegations of attempted extortion and conspiracy, according to an Associated Press report.

He is seeking a jury trial.

Perez also faced corruption charges from January, when he was charged with accepting a bribe from a city contractor.

Prosecutors are hoping to combine both cases.

Perez plans to complete his term as mayor.

Life in local government can certainly get difficult at times. However, when you think times are rough in your area … well, “It Could Be Worse.”

“It Could Be Worse” focuses on a range of embarrassing stories out there, dedicated to some of the more interesting happenings with those involved in local government across the country. For more, click here.