VIDALIA — Three of the five people indicted in connection with a grand jury investigation of the Ferriday Police Department were arraigned in court Wednesday.

Officer Rickey Hollins, former officer Willie B. Robinson and civilian Arthur Johnson all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges against them.

Both Hollins and Johnson are scheduled for a trial of motions, a legal step preceding a trial on July 23.

A preliminary exam for Robinson was set for Aug. 20. A preliminary exam is a hearing to determine if a person charged with a crime should be tried on those charges.

Hollins is charged with false imprisonment, simple battery and aggravated assault in connection with an arrest that reportedly involved pepper spray. Hollins was released on a $24,000 bond after he was arrested in March.

Robinson is charged with false imprisonment and malfeasance in office in connection to a 2006 arrest he made. Robinson was released on a $6,500 bond.

Johnson — a former towing-service employee — was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle because he allegedly moved a vehicle after an arrest without proper permission. Johnson was released on a $5,000 bond.

Two others who were indicted after the investigation, former Ferriday Police Chief Robert “Rock” Davis and former officer Juanita January, did not appear in court Wednesday.

Davis faces charges of false imprisonment and malfeasance in office, and January is charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

Davis is free on a $6,500 bond, and January was released on a $20,000 bond after her arrest.