A Pierce County man entered a pleading of not guilty on a felony charge of residential burglary Friday in Jefferson County Superior Court.

Gary Lee Geisler Jr., 58, of Lakebay, was arrested during the early morning hours of July 10 after he was found outside a home near Lords Lake that has been burglarized five days before.

Deputies discovered Geisler near a Honda parked outside the rural home with items that appeared to have been taken from inside the house.

When confronted by law enforcement, Geisler allegedly said he had permission from the owner of the home to camp on the property.

The property owner, however, told police she had not spoken to Geisler in 15 years.

During his appearance in court late last week, Scott Charlton, Geisler’s attorney, asked bail to be reduced from $20,000 to $5,000.

Charlton said his client was indigent.

“He has no resources,” Charlton said, and added that Geisler did not have a record of violent crimes.

At his initial appearance in court, prosecutors had asked for bail to be set at $35,000, but Superior Court Judge Keith Harper ordered bail of $20,000.

During Friday’s hearing, Superior Court Commissioner Micky Forbes said a defendant’s indigent status was “deeply relevant,” but added, “This doesn’t seem to be the moment to make the change.”

Forbes left bail at $20,000.

Geisler’s trial was set for Sept. 12 through Sept. 15.

Conviction of residential burglary can result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.