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Owner Of Arkansas Health Firms Pleads Not Guilty To Bribery

The owner of two Arkansas mental health companies that provide services for juveniles has pleaded not guilty to charges that he bribed a former top official of the state's Human Services Department.

Ted Suhl pleaded not guilty in federal court Friday to conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services fraud, three counts of honest services fraud, one count of federal funds bribery and one count of interstate travel in aid of bribery. A jury trial is scheduled for Jan. 19.

Suhl allegedly bribed former DHS Deputy Director Steven Jones, who pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy and bribery charges. Former West Memphis City Councilman Phillip Carter also pleaded guilty last year to his role in the scheme.

Suhl previously denied any wrongdoing in the case.

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