DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- A kosher slaughterhouse in Postville has pleaded not guilty to a dozen federal immigration charges.
An Agriprocessors lawyer participated by telephone in Friday's hearing in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.
Last month, a grand jury returned a 12-count indictment against the company and its managers, alleging they were involved in efforts to employ illegal immigrants.
Federal immigration agents raided the plant in May and arrested 389 workers.
Among the charges the company faces are harboring and aiding undocumented workers, document fraud, identity theft and bank fraud.
A jury trial in the case is scheduled for Jan. 20.
Three managers have pleaded not guilty to related charges and two others facing charges haven't been located.
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