SC Poultry Plant Manager Pleads Not Guilty

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) - The manager of a South Carolina poultry plant where hundreds of suspected illegal immigrants were rounded up last year has pleaded not guilty to federal charges.

Barry Cronic entered the not guilty plea during a brief hearing in Greenville on Thursday. Prosecutors say Cronic knowingly hired illegal immigrants to work at the Columbia Farms plant in Greenville.

Cronic remains free on a personal recognize bond that does not require him to post any money. He says he is still employed at the plant. His attorney, Bart Daniel, would only say he is preparing for trial.

House of Raeford operates the plant. Prosecutors have said the North Carolina-based company is cooperating and has not been charged.

More than 330 people were apprehended in the October raid. Prosecutors say most of them have been deported.