Former officer pleads innocent to felony charge

      Former policeman Cameron Cooksey pleaded innocent today on charges of stealing approximately $1,500 from the Fairfield Police Department when he was an officer.

      The written plea was entered this morning in Iowa District Court for Jefferson County.

      Cooksey, 31, who is represented by attorney Thomas M. Walter of Ottumwa, waived his right to a speedy trial.

      Judge Daniel P. Wilson set a trial date of 9:30 a.m. June 22. A pretrial conference, which is the last opportunity for any negotiated plea, is set for 10 a.m. June 7.

      The case is being prosecuted by the Iowa Attorney General's Office. The charge of second-degree theft is a Class D felony.

      Cooksey's attorney was unavailable for comment this morning.