WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — A West Memphis, Arkansas priest accused of killing two cats in February entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday.

Charles Thessing, 63, was charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty after allegations he trapped and drowned cats.

He has been ordered back to court in April. The judge on Tuesday set a May 19 jury trial.

On Feb. 7, West Memphis Animal Control received a video regarding the incident. West Memphis Police obtained a search warrant for Thessing’s property and say they found animal traps and two dead cats that appeared to have been drowned in a tank of water on the property.

Thessing is listed on a church website as pastor of St. Michael Church in West Memphis but was suspended indefinitely by the diocese.

West Memphis officials declined to release specifics on the case, citing an ongoing investigation.

On Tuesday, NewsNation affiliate WREG tried to get a statement from Thessing outside court. He told us, “No hablo inglés.” He addressed the judge in court in English.

While Thessing was waiting for the driver of a truck to unlock the door, WREG asked him to say anything in any language.

“No comment. Please leave me alone,” said Thessing.