John Liu's campaign aides plead not guilty to fraud charges

Two of New York City Comptroller John Liu's aides pleaded not guilty Monday to allegations that they illegally funneled campaign funds to the comptroller, who has heavily hinted that he plans to run for mayor next year.

Jenny Hou, Liu's campaign treasurer, and Oliver Pan, a fundraiser, were both named last month in an indictment filed in New York federal court charging that the duo defrauded the city by using so-called straw donors to obtain matching campaign contributions and inflate Liu's campaign cash reserves.

Pan's attorney plans to ask for a dismissal of charges and Hou's may seek to have her tried separately, according to Bloomberg.