Councilman Jack Kelly placed Christopher G. Wright, his indicted chief of staff, on unpaid leave yesterday, pending the resolution of federal corruption charges filed against Wright two weeks ago.

"Chris understood that his continuing presence in the office would be a distraction," Kelly said in a short written statement issued through his attorney, George Bochetto. "I did not reach this decision lightly. Chris has been a loyal and effective city employee for many years. He deserves the presumption of innocence unless and until the courts find otherwise."

Federal prosecutors accused Wright, a 20-year city employee, of writing legislation and using his influence with city agencies to benefit two developers who had paid him $1,000 and given him free use of an apartment for a year. He faces 37 to 46 months in prison if convicted.

The developers, brothers Hardeep Chawla of Ivyland and Ravinder "Ravi" Chawla of Abington, were also charged in the case, as was their lawyer, Andrew Teitelman, of Newtown. The brothers have been big Kelly campaign donors, and Teitelman was the councilman's campaign treasurer in 2003 and 2007. Kelly was not charged in the case.

"Should Chris be exonerated of all charges, I would welcome him back as chief of staff and do whatever is necessary to see that he receives full back pay," Kelly's statement said.

The statement said Kelly would have no further comment on Wright until his case is resolved.

Wright also issued a short statement through his attorney yesterday.

"With sadness I announce that I have requested a leave of absence from my duties as chief of staff for Councilman Jack Kelly. I have taken this action because it is in the councilman's best interest and the best interests of the citizens of Philadelphia. I have requested that my leave begin immediately and extend until after the trial of the charges against me," the statement said.

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