LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A former local TV medical correspondent who was accused of asking an 8-year-old girl to send sexually suggestive pictures has pleaded not guilty.
Dr. Bruce Hensel appeared in court Friday morning. The 71-year-old is charged with one felony count of contact with a minor for sexual purposes.
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Agents were seen removing items from his home during his arrest last week as part of the investigation.
Hensel allegedly requested the images from the daughter of an acquaintance through a messaging app on or about Aug. 4, said Deputy District Attorney Angela Brunson of the DA's Cyber Crimes Division.
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Hensel's lawyer said he's innocent and is cooperating with authorities.
Hensel was a medical correspondent for KNBC for nearly three decades and had prior stints at NBC in New York and KCOP in Los Angeles.