Suspect pleads not guilty in solicitation to commit murder case

NEWBERRY — The case of a Newberry correctional officer charged with solicitation to commit murder is moving forward in 92nd Circuit Court.

37-year-old Jason Bufford pleaded not guilty to the charge at his arraignment Tuesday. Bufford was arrested March 9th after a lengthy investigation by Michigan State Police from the Sault Ste. Marie post in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Corrections.

He is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on May 19th. Bufford could face up to life in prison if convicted.