Former Los Angeles City Commissioner Leland Wong, a key figure in the “pay-to-play” scandals that plagued the administration of former L.A. Mayor James Hahn, was indicted Wednesday on charges of bribery, conflict of interest, perjury and embezzlement.

Wong, 49, pleaded “not guilty” in Los Angeles Superior Court Wednesday morning to the 20-count indictment. He was released on his own recognizance pending an appearance on Sept. 7 before L.A. Superior Court Judge David Wesley.

The indictment is the first of a public official resulting from an ongoing three-year investigation of “pay-to-play” contracting practices of the Hahn administration by the U.S. Attorney’s office, the state Franchise Tax Board and L.A. County District Attorney Steve Cooley.

Wong served both on the Airport Commission and on the Board of Water & Power Commissioners during the Hahn administration. He was also director of government relations for Kaiser-Permanente during that time. He resigned from Kaiser-Permanente and as a city commissioner in January 2004.

According to a statement from Cooley’s office, the bribery, conflict of interest and perjury charges involve Wong’s dealings with Evergreen America Corp., a subsidiary of Taiwan-based shipping giant Evergreen Marine Corp., while on the Airport Commission. The indictment specifically alleges Wong accepted a $100,000 bribe from an unnamed Evergreen official.

The 13 embezzlement and grand theft charges in the indictment stem from Wong’s employment at Kaiser Permanente; each count alleges Wong stole “more than $400.” The indictment states that the embezzlement was uncovered by another Kaiser Permanente employee.

Janet Levine, one of two attorneys representing Wong, told the Los Angeles Times that the former city commissioner “intends to fight these charges and he intends to be exonerated of his charges.”