PITTSBURGH — The founder and former CEO of Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he siphoned more than $8 million from the school through a network of profit and nonprofit companies he also controlled.

Nicholas Trombetta, 58, entered the plea Wednesday at his arraignment in Pittsburgh. His accountant, Neal Prence, also 58, pleaded not guilty to allegedly helping shield the stolen money from taxes.

Trombetta allegedly bought a $1 million Florida condominium, houses for his girlfriend and mother, and spent nearly $1 million on living expenses since 2006. Prosecutors say he tucked away most of the rest of the money in a shell company for retirement.