Former Connecticut officials charged with extortion and bribery over Medicaid audit pressure.

Former Connecticut officials Konstantinos Diamantis and Christopher Ziogas have been charged with extortion and bribery for allegedly pressuring state officials to cancel a Medicaid audit of an eye care provider accused of overbilling. Diamantis, who received $95,000 in payments, and Ziogas are accused of accepting benefits in exchange for official acts. They deny the charges and have pleaded not guilty. Both face up to 55 years in prison if convicted.