Comm. Tim Boyd pleads not guilty to extortion

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Hamilton County Commissioner Tim Boyd this morning pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal extortion in criminal court.

Boyd, who handily won re-election in Tuesday’s primary, is charged with trying to force his opponent, East Ridge Mayor Brent Lambert out of that race.

The extortion charge is a Class D felony, with a penalty on conviction of 2 to 4 years in jail.

Boyd’s defense attorney Lee Davis filed a motion to dismiss and told the court says Boyd’s comments are actually protected political speech.

Boyd will be back in court on June 5th.