In an unsworn statement from his dock on Monday morning, during the ongoing trial of alleged Klansman members, Bryan said: “I did not do the things the witnesses said I did. I did not give any instructions or orders to kill anyone.

“I know nothing about extortion money. I am not part of any criminal gang. I am innocent of these charges,” said the sober looking Bryan as he stood clad in an ash grey long sleeved shirt tucked neatly into a tan dress pants striped with black marking.

His hair dishelved and his eyes darting in his charcoal face, Bryan said he is 38 years old and that his profession is in music.

He also said he has never been convicted.

Bryan, clutching a microphone in his right hand, with his left hand resting in his left pocket bowed deeply at the end of his statement.