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Minn. Developer Pleads Not Guilty To Tax Evasion

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A major Twin Cities real estate developer has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of tax evasion.

Prosecutors last month indicted 52-year-old Jeffrey John Wirth, along with his ex-wife and their accountant. They're accuses of funneling money from one of Wirth's businesses and using it in part to build a spacious lakeside mansion.

A St. Paul Pioneer Press report says all three are charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, and also face charges involving the filing of false corporate and individual tax returns.

Wirth entered his not-guilty plea Friday, three days after his ex-wife and accountant did the same.

Messages left with Wirth's attorneys Saturday were not immediately returned.

Wirth is the former owner of the Grand Hotel in Minneapolis and developer of two large Twin Cities water parks.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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