An August trial has been set for a former West Virginia lawmaker on federal charges of bribery, vote buying and running illegal gambling rings in West Virginia and Kentucky.

Joe Ferrell of Chapmanville pleaded not guilty Tuesday at an arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maurice Taylor in Huntington.

His company and co-defendant, Southern Amusement Co. of Logan, also pleaded not guilty.

Southern Amusement is a video lottery machine leasing business.

A 48-count indictment handed up June 8 accused the 62-year-old Ferrell of seeking his legislative position to protect his business by influencing legislation concerning video lottery machines.

The trial is scheduled to begin August 24 before U.S. District Judge John T. Copenhaver.