A 64-year-old Albert Lea man is facing a charge of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct after he allegedly engaged in nonconsensual sexual contact with a 30-year-old man in March.

Glen Charles Parsons, a retired school teacher who is known for his roles directing and acting in local theater, appeared on the charge, a gross misdemeanor, Thursday in Freeborn County District Court. Fifth degree is the least severe charge of criminal sexual conduct.

Parsons’ lawyer, Kevin Siefken, said he entered a provisional not guilty plea during the hearing, and he will review evidence during the next 30 days before deciding how to proceed with the case. He declined to comment otherwise.

According to court files, Parsons allegedly admitted the act to an Albert Lea Police Department detective.

Court documents state Albert Lea police were notified of the alleged incident the morning of March 8 at the Albert Lea Family Y. A man reported to Family Y staff that another man had inappropriately touched him while he was showering in the locker room, according to a court file compiled by the detective. The man reportedly stated that what had happened was “crossing the line” and put out his hands gesturing to get away, court documents state. He told the detective he thought Parsons and another man had left the locker area and believed he was showering alone until he heard someone enter the showers.

Though the man did not know Parsons’ name, he reportedly gave a description that matched Parsons and later identified him in a photo lineup as the alleged perpetrator. The man told police he had only met Parsons a few days prior and that Parsons had commented on his tattoos.

Police used electronic sign-in information at the Y to confirm Parsons was at the facility at the time.

When interviewed by police, Parsons at first stated he had touched the man’s back and leg and told the detective he thought the situation was misinterpreted, according to court files. He denied inappropriately touching the man otherwise and said he did not recall the man putting up his hands and gesturing, court files state. He told the detective that other people in the locker room would have recalled it.

Court records state when a police detective asked Parsons why the man would have made up an allegation if it was not true, Parsons reportedly recalled the man putting his hands up and saying something, though he did not understand what the man said.

Later in the interview, he changed course and allegedly admitted to police that he committed the act, adding that “he wasn’t thinking,” court documents stated.

He expressed concern about his reputation and the effect such allegations would present for his work with youth.

His charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.

A woman who answered the phone at Parsons’ residence Thursday afternoon said he was not available.