Cooperating

It's probably just some technical quirk but I don't quite get, if Ira Thomas is "cooperating with authorities," why would he plead not guilty?

The bill of information laid out the details of a sting operation carried out by federal authorities in which a confidential witness approached a School Board employee about the contract and then allegedly talked with that employee and Thomas about paying a kickback.

Polite’s office said the confidential witness ultimately delivered $5,000 to someone identified as “Private Citizen B,” who then split the money with Thomas.

Thomas faces charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and wire fraud, which could cost him up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Anyway, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that you could find a $5,000 kickback on at least 1 out of 3 of the semi-privatized charter school boards around town.... you know.. if they ever complied with open records laws.

I look forward to the US Attorney's in-depth investigation of that business.  Should I just wait here for that or what?