LEXINGTON, Ky. – Former agriculture commissioner and University of Kentucky basketball star Richie Farmer has pleaded not guilty to charges related to his management of the state agency.
Richie was charged in an indictment earlier this week with four counts of misappropriating government property and money, and one count of soliciting property in exchange for a government grant.
Farmer appeared Thursday before a judge. The 43-year-old Farmer is free until his trial, which was set for July 2.
Farmer served as agriculture commissioner from 2004 through 2011. He could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the five counts.
Farmer was a shooting guard for the Wildcats from 1988 to 1992, a team known as "The Unforgettables."
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