Hempstead Village trustee faces new charges in 29-count indictment

A longtime Hempstead Village trustee accused of demanding bribes and threatening businesses was indicted on new charges Tuesday.
Perry Pettus, 62, was charged in a 29-count indictment. His charges include attempted grand larceny and falsifying business records.
District Attorney Madeline Singas says Pettus was allegedly attempting to fraudulently obtain a mortgage on a North Carolina home.
According to court documents, Pettus has also been named in a second indictment. He's charged with receiving bribes, conspiracy and two counts of witnesses tampering.
News 12 reported the 62-year-old was arrested earlier this year after being accused of threatening multiple restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the village to either pay him tens of thousands of dollars or get shut down.
In a statement, Pettus' attorney says that, "This is the most bizarre case of piling on that I have ever seen."
Pettus pleaded not guilty to the charges.