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A Kirksville dentist facing a felony charge told visiting Judge Karl DeMarce “he didn't do it”.

70-year-old Steve Barber has entered a not guilty plea in Adair County circuit court.

DeMarce is handling the case, after Judge Russell Steele took himself off the case.

Barber was indicted by an Adair County grand jury on two counts of tampering with a witness.

Authorities allege Barber attempted to influence the sex felony case against former Kirksville attorney Tom Oswald, by offering the victims parents $150,000 to withhold information in the case.

If convicted, Barber could be sentenced up to seven years in prison on each count. His next court date has not been set.