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The Welcome to Sweetie Pies reality star pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to federal charges alleging that in 2016 he was involved in the murder of his 20-year-old nephew, Andre Montgomery.

 

In August, James Timothy Norman was arrested on charges in an alleged murder-for-hire plot. Although his attorney argues that the Mississippi native is not likely to be a flight risk, he appeared for a detention hearing to determine if he would be detained in federal custody or be released while he awaits trial. Furthermore, his attorney believes that he should be released from custody and stay with his mother, Sweetie Pie’s franchise owner, Robbie Montgomery.

Prosecutors believe that as a result of the evidence stacked against him, including the failed attempt at making himself the sole beneficiary on the $450,000 insurance policy he obtained on Montgomery, Norman should be held as he awaits trial.

According to court documents, the 41-year-old conspired with exotic dancer Terica Ellis in the murder-for-hire plot which led to the shooting death of Montgomery. Additionally, he faces a conspiracy charge to commit wire and mail fraud with the help from leading producer of Nelly‘s “Nellyville” album, Waiel Rebhi Yaghnam.

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Ellis is also pleading not guilty as she is accused of luring Montgomery to his death for $10,000. Despite her 2-year-old child that has a health condition, she has been ordered to remain in jail until her trial. Ellis’ attorney claims that Norman used her to confront Montgomery about the stolen cash and jewelry from Robbie’s home which totaled to about $200,000. Montgomery was murdered four days after authorities questioned him for the stolen goods.

If convicted, federal prosecutors could issue the death penalty. Judge Nannette Baker has yet to make a decision.

Click here to read all of the details on the case.

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