A Long Island man is out on bail while facing charges that he helped his father try to fake his own death in an alleged insurance scam.
Jonathan Roth had a brief court appearance Tuesday on Long Island, appearing with his girlfriend and lawyer.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges that include conspiracy to commit insurance fraud.
His attorney, Joey Jackson, told NBC 4 New York he is working with the District Attorney to resolve the case.
Local
"This case is about coersion, abuse and manipulation," Jackson told reporters. "My client is not accountable or responsible for any criminality."
Investigators allege Roth falsely reported that his father disappeared July 28 at Jones Beach.
Authorities believe Raymond Roth first fled to Florida. He was later seen in South Carolina.
An attorney says the elder Roth is now receiving psychiatric treatment at a Long Island hospital.
Police say the search cost tens of thousands of dollars.
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Copyright AP - Associated Press
