DALLAS, Ga. (AP) – A lawyer for a Georgia man accused of sending his emaciated teenage stepson to Los Angles says his client intends to plead not guilty.

Paul Comer’s attorney, W. Scott Smith, tells The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his client is cooperating with authorities. An Oct. 4 court hearing is set for Comer and his wife, Sheila Comer. They’re charged with false imprisonment and cruelty to children.