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Carlina White Update: Ann Pettway, accused in 1987 N.Y. baby-napping, pleads not guilty

Carlina White
Carlina White as an adult and an infant CBS

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - Ann Pettway, the North Carolina woman indicted on a charge that she kidnapped newborn Carlina White from a Harlem hospital more than two decades ago, has pleaded not guilty.

Pettway was asked by a federal judge in Manhattan if she was pleading not guilty to a kidnapping charge during an arraignment Thursday afternoon. She firmly responded "yes sir." Her lawyer said outside court they are searching for evidence that somebody else snatched the infant.

Pettway has been held without bail since she was arrested last month. She is charged with kidnapping Carlina White from Harlem Hospital in August 1987. White is now 23 years old.

The FBI has said in court papers that the Raleigh, N.C. woman took the baby after her own efforts at childbearing failed.

Click here for complete coverage of this case on Crimesider.

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