An Albert Lea man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Freeborn County District Court to second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Lee Vincent Wells, 35, allegedly engaged in sexual contact with a 4-year-old July 10 in Albert Lea.

He was arrested after the Albert Lea Police Department was dispatched to an address on the report of a sexual assault involving a 4-year-old victim.

Court documents state that upon officers arriving, Wells said “I am a bad person. I did it.”

Wells was then arrested and transported to Freeborn County Law Enforcement Center.

Court documents state that Wells told an Albert Lea Police Department detective several times that “he had done a bad thing and deserved to be punished.”

Wells was reportedly known to the victim.

Conditional bail is set at $25,000. A settlement conference is scheduled for Oct. 20 and a jury trial is scheduled for Dec. 27, if the case has not been settled beforehand.

Second-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $35,000 fine.