Suspect in ex-SC treasurer case pleads not guilty

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — An Italian citizen has pleaded not guilty to a charge of conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine in a case that included former South Carolina state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports that Pasquale Pellicoro (pass-KWAH’-lee PEL’-uh-koh-roh) entered the plea Monday at a hearing before a federal magistrate in Columbia.

Pellicoro was arrested earlier this year in Italy after being on the run more than three years following his indictment in South Carolina. He was returned to the state last week.

Ravenel served 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to buying cocaine for himself and to share with friends.

Pellicoro came to the United States 17 years ago and had worked in wine sales in the Charleston area.