HENNEPIN — The Standard man charged with concealment of the homicidal death of Deborah K. Dewey entered into a not guilty plea in Putnam County Court on Tuesday afternoon.
Clifford A. Andersen Jr., 66, who is also Dewey's brother-in-law, went before Circuit Judge Michael McCusky with his attorney, Drew Parker of Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law of Peoria. There he waived his request for a speedy trial and instead called for a jury trial to be set for 9 a.m. May 8.
The plea came a day after the Putnam County grand jury returned an indictment charging Andersen with concealment of a homicidal death, a Class 3 felony.
On Tuesday, Andersen appeared in court wearing a Peoria County Jail black and white jumpsuit, where he's being held for logistical reasons. Andersen used a metal walker to get around and was allowed to kiss and hug his wife, son and four other people there to witness his court proceeding.
Andersen is still in custody on a $750,000 bond, with 10 percent to apply — meaning Andersen would have to post $75,000 to be released from jail.
Andersen's felony charge carries a two to five year prison sentence with one year parole and a maximum fine of $25,000 in court costs.
However on Tuesday, Putnam County State's Attorney Christina Judd-Mennie said this is not a mandatory sentence and that probation is available for up to 30 months.
A preliminary conference date was also set by McCusky for 2 p.m. April 27 in Putnam County Court.
As previously reported, Dewey was reported missing on Aug. 22, and her body was uncovered from a shallow grave in Standard, only a couple blocks from Andersen's home on Sept. 12.
Andersen first appeared in court on Sept. 15 where statements were read that he allegedly knew Dewey had died by homicidal means. He had allegedly taken her body, wrapped it in a blanket and tarp, secured it with rope and duct tape, and buried it in a shallow grave.
Andersen is still the only person charged in connection to the disappearance and death of Dewey.
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