Former Albert Lea City Manager Jim Norman on Monday pleaded not guilty in Freeborn County District Court to charges that he misused the city-issued credit card for personal purchases when he worked for the city.

During what was a brief hearing with his lawyer, Peggy Rockow of Albert Lea, and Waseca County Attorney Brenda Miller, Rockow requested a jury trial for Norman with a speedy demand.

In other words, Norman invoked his right to a speedy trial guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. She anticipated the trial would be four days.

Rockow said the defense is prepared for trial at any time in the next 60 days, though a specific date was not announced in court.

Rockow and Miller, who is handling the case for Freeborn County, walked down to the court administration office after the hearing to talk with a scheduling clerk.

Miller declined any comment about the case after the hearing stating she does not discuss pending cases.

Norman, 57, who no longer lives in the city, faces one felony count of permitting false claims against government by a public officer, one felony count of theft with the intent to exercise temporary control and one gross misdemeanor count of misconduct by a public officer.

This was his first appearance with Rockow.

Norman started full time in Albert Lea on May 3 but was placed on administrative leave Aug. 27. He resigned as city manager in September as part of a separation agreement between him and the City Council, which resulted from the pending litigations.

As part of that agreement, the city agreed to pay the equivalent of three months severance and request the criminal charges against Norman be dismissed.

Miller has acknowledged that she received a letter from the city with the request, but it has not been openly discussed in court.