The Arizona man indicted
on charges of embezzling federal funds that were given to start a Native radio
station pleaded not guilty April 26 in the District of Arizona U.S. District
Court, according to online court records. The attorney representing the
defendant, John Bittner, said he may file a motion for Bittner to be mentally
evaluated. A jury trial was set for June 5.
As Current reported April 23, Bittner is alleged to have used $322,364 in Public Telecommunications
Facilities Program funds on personal expenses, including a car, medical costs,
child support payments and a trip to Las Vegas. After his indictment, Bittner
attempted suicide and spent time in a hospital in Flagstaff, Ariz., his
hometown.
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