Cohoes Mayor Shawn Morse was arrested by the FBI on Thursday on federal charges related to alleged misuse of campaign funds.

According to the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Grant Jaquith's office, Morse "is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and one count of making a false statement to the FBI." He pleaded not guilty in federal court on Thursday afternoon.

Federal investigators allege that from 2013 to 2018, Morse used campaign funds to pay for his person expenses. He's also accused of lying to the FBI about the alleged scheme. Morse faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Morse didn't speak as he left court, but released what he called his "one and only statement" via his Facebook page:

According to an indictment unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s office, Morse directed his former campaign manager to withdraw more than $12,000 for his own personal use over a five-year period.

Scarff, Morse's current campaign manager, was in federal court for his client’s arraignment. He suspects the new charges may be politically motivated.

"I think a lot of people jumped on the bandwagon," Scarff said.

At a special meeting later Thursday, the Common Council voted in favor of a resolution requesting Morse's resignation or a leave of absence. This resolution is purely symbolic; the council doesn't have the power to remove Morse from office.

Morse was not at the meeting, and he has not shown any indication that he plans to step down.

The firm that is in charge of Morse's campaign, Reputation Doctor, says he owes them more than $20,000 for campaign-related services.

Several locals said they believe the accusations of misusing campaign contributions are true, but chose not to speak on camera. 

Morse still has lots of vocal supporters, though. Many say the FBI accusations are false and the investigation was "politically motivated."

Morse, who has been mayor for three years, has faced an embattled tenure with allegations of domestic violence made by his wife that first surfaced in November 2017.

At the time, it was reported that Morse’s wife had told an emergency dispatcher that her husband choked her and threw her to the ground. Police later discounted that report. In December 2018, Morse denied a Times Union report that he choked an 18-year-old boy who came to his home. The boy allegedly used to date the mayor's daughter.

Albany County officials and Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for his resignation after new allegations came forward last fall, but Morse denied them and declared he would not leave office.