NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The former head of a Dickson-based retirement benefits management company has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $19 million from nearly 1,000 participants in retirement and other employee benefit accounts he managed.

According to U.S. Attorney Edward M. Yarbrough, former 1Point Solutions CEO Barry Stokes entered the plea to more than 30 counts on Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Robert L. Echols.

Stokes is accused of diverting money to pay his bills and buy property and art.

He has been in jail since 2006. A trial date had been set for this month.

A sentencing hearing will be set later.