An Austin man who allegedly slapped an elementary age child in the face pleaded not guilty to two charges in Mower County Court on Thursday.

Alfredo Martinez, 28, pleaded not guilty to one count of malicious punishment of a child, a gross misdemeanor, and a lesser charge of domestic assault. The maximum penalty he could face is one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.

Martinez allegedly struck the boy on Feb. 15 for crossing the street to get a doughnut. According to the court complaint, the child said he gets scared when Martinez is mad, and said Martinez has hit him on other occasions. The complaint also states health officials discovered bruising on the boy’s back, and Martinez has previously struck the boy with a belt.

Martinez’s pre-trial is scheduled for April 19.