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Little Opry Manager Pleads Not Guilty To Arson

Last updated on Tuesday, March 20, 2012

(NASHVILLE) - 75-year-old James Bowyer, manager of the Little Nashville Opry, has pleaded not guilty to arson charges in connection with the 2009 blaze that destroyed the venue.

Brown County Prosecutor Jim Oliver says a judge set Bowyer's trial for June 6. Bowyer appeared in court today with his lawyer, John Boren.

Oliver has filed additional charges alleging Bowyer set fire to the Little Nashville Opry so he could defraud an insurance company.

Court documents show the music hall was insured for more than $3 million.

Those documents say the Opry owed more than $280,000 in property taxes, vendor invoices and insurance and performer fees at the time of the fire.

Boren didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

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