Special to the Daily Reporter

Three men accused of killing a man outside of a local gentlemen's club have entered "not guilty" pleas to their charges.

John Allen Swan, 30, of Crossett, Ark.; Scott Thomas Adair, 29, of Crossett, Ark.; and Michael James Friedrichs, 29, of Forest City, are accused of first-degree murder, a Class "A" Felony. Each of the men entered a written plea of "not guilty" this week.

The three men have each selected their own counsel for the court proceedings. Swan's attorney is Pam Wingert, and Adair has chosen Michael Johnson. Friedrichs has selected Edward "Ned" Bjornstad. Assistant County Attorney Jon Martin represents the state.

According to court records, Swan, Adair and Friedrichs unlawfully hit Matthew Thomas Begtrup, 25, of Sioux Falls repeatedly during a fight in the early hours of April 4 causing severe injury and bleeding to the face and head. The incident occurred outside Zippers Gentleman's Club in Milford. After the incident, Begtrup was transported to Lakes Regional Healthcare and immediately life-flighted to Sioux Falls where he later passed away.

All three men are being held in the Dickinson County Jail on $750,000 bond. Bjornstad filed a motion for bond reduction on behalf of Friedrichs, but a hearing date has not yet been scheduled.