The Sacramento County Superior Courtroom that held the hearing is just two blocks away from Dennis Nilsson and James Mayle’s former employer: the Sacramento Public Library.  The two are accused of steering maintenance projects to a company owned by Mayle’s wife, Janie Rankins-Mayle.  The library paid Rankins-Mayle’s company more than a million dollars for the work – and in return, the company allegedly sent Nilsson $90,000 in kickbacks.
 
The three were arrested and released on bail last week; and on Wednesday, they appeared in court for the first time.  They’re charged with conflict of interest, bribery and improper billing for maintenance services – all felonies.  None of the three entered a plea, and the next court date is May 1st.