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Willingham pleads not guilty to six more counts
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More from Other NewsWillingham already was facing 73 charges filed by the District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors have accused him and his wife, Brenda, both of Ventura, of using fraudulent promissory notes and other methods to raise more than $5 million from investors for Willingham Farms and Sunshine Fresh Produce.
The new charges involve three alleged victims who live in Georgia, where Dennis was raised and still has family, Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth said after a court hearing. He declined to provide names or other details until court paperwork is filed.
The Willinghams have been in Ventura County Jail on $250,000 bond each since their arrest on Dec. 10. Brenda pleaded guilty to 24 of 74 charges against her in May. Prosecutors are expected to drop the remaining charges at her July 26 sentencing.
Dennis did not request a delay to his July 14 preliminary hearing to study the new charges, Joseph O'Neill, his court-appointed attorney, said.
"It's Mr. Willingham's desire to proceed," O'Neill said.
Dobroth said the additional charges were not an attempt to encourage Dennis to change his not guilty plea.
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