An Albert Lea man who allegedly possessed a knife earlier this month in the Freeborn County Courthouse pleaded not guilty Thursday in Freeborn County District Court.

Joseph Allen Deleon, 28, is charged with possessing a weapon in a courthouse complex.

Court documents state Deleon was charged after an Albert Lea officer made contact with him 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. A black and red knife with a 4-inch long curved blade was allegedly removed from his left-back pants pocket.

Court documents state though Deleon said he did not know 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.

A settlement conference is scheduled for May 10, and a jury trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 29, if the case has not been settled by then.

Possessing a weapon in a courthouse complex carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.