Pay-to-play trial begins

In the highest-profile case to come out of City Hall "pay-to-play" corruption investigations in the administration of former Mayor James Hahn, prosecutors Wednesday detailed their allegations that former commissioner Leland Wong exchanged his influence for a $100,000 bribe from a company doing business with the city. Beth Barrett in the Daily News.

But in opening statements, Wong's lawyer said the former commissioner did nothing improper and was a committed civic servant who was singled out unfairly by the political system.

Wong, 51, of San Marino sat composed as Superior Court Judge Michael Johnson read for the jury the 21 felony counts, including bribery, conflict of interest, perjury and embezzlement charges against the former commissioner. He has pleaded not guilty.