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Former professor pleads not guilty to lewdness charge

By WKTV News

Story Created: Jul 11, 2012 at 1:48 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 11, 2012 at 4:07 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WTKV) - A well-known former Utica College professor and Democratic strategist in the local political community pleaded not-guilty Wednesday to public lewdness charges in Utica City Court.

Richard Emmert was one of 12 men arrested in the Roscoe Conkling Park in June for allegedly showing themselves to passersby.

Police conducted an undercover sting operation where they sent an officer walking through the area where the men were hanging out. The officer, according to police, passed by several times, when he says the men tried to grope the officer in a sexual manner.

Emmert will be back in court later in July.

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