An Albert Lea man accused of having a knife last month in the Freeborn County Courthouse pleaded guilty Wednesday in Freeborn County District Court.

Joseph Alan Deleon, 28, pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon in a courthouse complex.

Court documents state Deleon was charged after an Albert Lea officer made contact with him April 3 at court services in connection with a probation violation after being advised Deleon had tested positive for methamphetamine and needed to be taken into custody. Deleon allegedly said he had a blade in his possession, and a black and red knife with a 4-inch long curved blade was removed from his left back pants pocket.

Court documents state though Deleon said he did not know that it was illegal for him to carry the knife in the courthouse, the officer noted that entrances to the building have signs that note knives are banned in the building.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 27.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. No additional jail time is expected to be served.