A Columbus Police officer pleaded not guilty in recorder’s Court this morning to a charge that he wrote more than $24,000 in bad checks.

Keith S. Lavalle, 37, appeared before Judge Michael Cielinski to enter his plea. His case was bound over to Superior Court and he was placed under $25,000 bond.

Lavalle was charged Thursday with one count of theft by deception, his arrest report shows. He’s accused of writing 35 checks at Murphy Oil USA, 6469 Gateway Road, between May 24 and July 29.

According to police records, Lavalle would write checks for different amounts and put the money on a Netspend prepaid Visa card. A loss prevention officer with the business contacted police on July 31 about several checks coming back with insufficient funds.

Lavalle is accused of writing checks totaling $24,365.51, reports show.