QUICK TAKES - Jan. 1, 2009

The half brother of comedian Dane Cook pleaded not guilty Wednesday to embezzling millions from the comedian and was ordered held on $3-million bail.

Darryl McCauley was arraigned at Woburn District Court in Massachusetts on charges including forgery and larceny. Prosecutors alleged that McCauley, 43, stole the money from Cook while being paid $12,500 a month to act as Cook’s business manager as part of his company, Great Dane Enterprises Inc.

Prosecutors accused McCauley of transferring funds from Cook’s business accounts to his personal accounts between July 2007 and December 2008. In one instance, McCauley forged a $3-million check written from Cook’s account to himself, investigators said.

The 36-year-old Cook’s comedy album, “Retaliation,” went double platinum and he has appeared in several films, including “My Best Friend’s Girl.”

McCauley’s attorney, Robert Goldstein, said his client was innocent.

“Mr. McCauley denies taking money from his brother without his consent,” he said. “He’s ready to confront these allegations.”