LOS ANGELES - A handyman pleaded not guilty Tuesday to plotting to kidnap US television personality David Letterman's infant son and nanny and hold them for five million dollars ransom.
Kelly Frank, 43, who worked on the talk-show host's ranch in the northwestern state of Montana, appeared in court in the town of Choteau to deny that he hatched a plot to kidnap the 16-month-old and his nanny.
Frank faces charges of solicitation, theft and obstructing a police officer in connection with the alleged plot.
The judge ordered him to remain jailed on bail pending his next court appearance on April 5, charges that could see him jailed for at least 10 years if convicted at trial.
Frank, who had a job painting buildings on Letterman's 2,700 acre ranch, allegedly approached another ranch employee with his plan to snatch the infant, but the co-worker instead alerted authorities.
Judge Marc Buyske ordered Frank, who was arrested last week, to be remanded in custody in lieu of 600,000 dollars bail pending his next court appearance on April 5 when a date for trial will be set.
03/22/2005 21:13 GMT