Ex-senator McCann pleads not guilty to federal charges Darren Iozia, Journal-Courier FacebookTwitterEmail Former state Sen. Sam McCann speaks during a 2018 meeting of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs. McCann, a one-time gubernatorial candidate, was indicted by a federal grand jury but pleaded not guilty during a hearing Tuesday.Erin Brown | AP A trial date has been set for former state Sen. Sam McCann, who was indicted Feb. 3 on federal charges accusing him of fraudulent use of campaign funds, money laundering and tax evasion. McCann’s trial date has been set for April 6, with a pre-trial date of March 25.