COLUMBUS ? Cherokee County Attorney Michael Goodrich, facing federal charges of extortion, has resigned, effective Dec. 1, the Kansas Attorney General’s office said Friday.

Goodrich, of Baxter Springs, has pleaded not guilty to charges of extortion, wire fraud and witness intimidation. Federal authorities accuse him of extorting money from Sensations Gentleman’s Club in Galena in exchange for legal favors.

Assistant Attorney General Veronica Dersch will serve as acting county attorney, starting immediately, until a replacement is named, the attorney general’s office said.

The indictment alleges that Goodrich was given money and favors by club owner Hai Ching Ying and manager Tom Dekeyser at various times between Jan. 1, 2005, and September 2007.

A co-defendant, Timothy J. Schooley, is accused of asking Jason Carsley, an assistant manager at the club, for money to give to waitresses and dancers at the club. Carsley was given permission by the club’s owner or manager to give the money to Goodrich, prosecutors said.

The indictment also alleges that Goodrich dismissed a traffic ticket Dekeyser got on March 29, without Dekeyser paying any fines or costs. Schooley also had pleaded not guilty. Both men have been free on bond.

And Goodrich is charged with trying to intimidate Assistant County Attorney Garth Adams into lying to FBI agents.

If convicted, Goodrich faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the extortion and wire fraud charges, and up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on the intimidation charge, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.