NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The former Norfolk sheriff pleaded not guilty Tuesday to public corruption charges in connection with what federal authorities call a “bribery scheme.”

Former Sheriff Bob McCabe appeared in federal court Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to 11 charges.

McCabe’s codefendant, Gerard Boyle, also pleaded not guilty in the case.

The government says McCabe favored Boyle’s company, Correct Care Solutions, and rigged bids for providing medical services to Norfolk inmates.

McCabe, who now lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, hurriedly left the courthouse following the hearing Tuesday. He said he could not comment on the charges, but confirmed he is preparing for trial.

McCabe’s defense attorney James Broccoletti said he and his client will “vigorously defend the charges and look forward to trial.”

Neither Boyle nor his attorney had any comment.

McCabe and Boyle were indicted Oct. 24.

View the document: McCabe and Boyle indictment

The indictment claims the pair engaged in a quid pro quo relationship, where Boyle gave McCabe cash, gifts and campaign contributions in exchange for official actions that helped Boyle’s company.

The indictment says the illegal quid pro quo went on for 12 years beginning in 2004.

The indictment also alleges the former sheriff engaged in a similar relationship with another person who was the chief executive officer of a Louisiana-based company that provided food services at the Norfolk City Jail. The person has not been named.

McCabe faces 11 charges, which include conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud, honest services mail fraud, conspiracy to obtain property under color of official right, obtaining property under color of official right and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

If convicted, McCabe faces a maximum sentence of 20 years on each charge.

Prosecutors say they have 85,000 documents totaling nearly half a million pages of evidence against McCabe and Boyle.

Their trial was set for May 27.