AUSTIN — The former Brownsdale police chief, who was fired last week amid controversy, pleaded not guilty to sexual assault charges Thursday in Mower County District Court.

Jason Wyatt Mindrup, 43, of Waltham, pleaded not guilty to felony charges of first- and third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

According to the complaint filed in Mower County District Court, a woman accused Mindrup of sexually assaulting her in his truck after leaving a Waltham bar on Aug. 31. Mindrup denied those accusations. According to the complaint, he told investigators the woman asked to go to his house, but he instead drove the woman back to the bar where she had left her phone and purse.

Mindrup had been on paid administrative leave since early September while the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigated. The Brownsdale City Council unanimously voted to fire Mindrup on Nov. 4, knowing he still retains his innocence. Mayor David Pike told the public the council had plenty of legal counsel regarding the matter. Former Brownsdale council member and former Mayor Rob Luthe were not happy with the decision.

Mindrup appeared in court Thursday after receiving a complaint summons last month. He was allowed to return home without having to pay bail, on conditions he refrain from drinking alcohol, entering bars or contacting his accuser.

Mindrup has a pretrial set for March 28. Given Mindrup’s tie with law enforcement in Mower County, an Olmsted County prosecuting attorney is assigned to the case.