Billy Preston Pleads Not Guilty to New Charges

Singer Billy Preston, already facing criminal charges stemming from an alleged encounter with a teen-age day laborer last summer, pleaded not guilty Friday to additional felonies involving a second alleged victim.

The new charges, which were filed Friday, involve a 38-year-old day laborer whom the singer allegedly took to his Malibu home last Aug. 17, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Loni Petersen.

Preston, 45, is charged with one count each of sexual battery with the special allegation that a knife was used in the crime, assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment. At a hearing in Malibu Municipal Court, a judge increased Preston’s bail from $10,000 to $25,000. The singer posted the bail, court officials said.

Preston allegedly picked up the adult laborer to do work at his home. At the home, Preston attempted to engage in sexual activities with the man after showing him pornographic magazines, Petersen alleged.