An Albert Lea man who possessed a folding knife in August 2016 in the Freeborn County Courthouse was sentenced to 30 days in jail Thursday in Freeborn County District Court. 

Alex Cortez Jr., 23, was sentenced after he was convicted of possessing a dangerous weapon in a courthouse complex in February. He was given credit for three days served.

Cortez was placed on probation for up to five years in the file. Judge Ross Leuning ordered Cortez follow state and federal criminal laws, not possess firearms, ammunition or explosives, not register to vote or vote until he is discharged from probation, and follow other court requirements.

Cortez was given a stayed imposition sentence, meaning if he successfully completes probation, the felony conviction will be reduced.

Court documents state law enforcement responded to a report of a verbal altercation outside of a courtroom at the courthouse Aug. 24, 2016

A deputy reportedly removed a black, approximately 9-inch folding knife with an approximately 4-inch long titanium blade from Cortez’s pocket. Another man outside the courtroom stated he had been at the courthouse alone to watch a hearing for a case in which his mother’s ex-husband was charged, court documents state.

Cortez initially denied an accusation that he threatened someone at the courthouse.