Judge denies request to dismiss bribery charges against State Sen. Currie

A federal judge has denied a request by a state senator’s attorneys to dismiss bribery charges against the senator.

U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett issued the order denying the request on Friday.

Lawyers for Sen. Ulysses Currie had argued that the vagueness of state law blurred the line between his role as a part-time senator and private consultant so much that the charges should be dismissed.

Currie, a Prince George’s County Democrat, is still in office.

Prosecutors allege he agreed to use his office to benefit the grocery store chain Shoppers Food Warehouse, and that he did not disclose the consulting work as required.