BAY CITY -- Anthony Bennett has plead not guilty to assault in Federal Court.
Just after four o'clock Monday Bennett entered District Magistrate Charles Binder's courtroom wearing orange coveralls with his hair slicked back.
Bennett is accused of assaulting Carnel Chamberlain prior to his death. Chamerlain was allegededly in Bennett's care the day he went missing near Mt. Pleasant on the Saginaw Chippewa Reservation.
Bennet was arraigned on charges of of assaulting a child under the age of 16 resulting in substantial bodily harm. Bennett's attorney entered a not guilty plea on behalf of his client.
Bennett was then escorted out of court to a transport van that would take him back to Bay County Jail. On his way to the vehicle Bennett was asked if he had anything to say and he said "Innocent".
Attorneys for Bennett say this is just the beginning of what they believe will be a long fight. They will now examine the evidence in the case and proceed from there. No new court date has been set.
If convicted Bennett could face up to five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
Representatitves from both Carnel Chamberlain's and Bennett's families attended the proceedings.
