NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A former Louisiana sheriff has pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges.

  

New Orleans news outlets report that former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Rodney "Jack" Strain entered the plea Tuesday.

  

The 16-count federal indictment was announced last month. Strain is accused of using his authority as sheriff to award a work release contract worth over $1 million with the intent to steer the proceeds to himself, close friends and family members. Two former captains involved in that case have pleaded guilty.

  

Strain also faces state court charges including incest and rape involving allegations dating back to when he was a teenager. He has pleaded not guilty in that case.