An Austin man who allegedly put a knife to a man’s throat and demanded money from him pleaded not guilty Thursday to three criminal charges.

Robledo

Roberto Javier Robledo, 30, entered the not guilty plea in Mower County District Court to three counts of first-degree burglary — all felonies.

According to a court complaint, police were called to the 1100 block of 12th Avenue NE on Oct. 26 for a burglary report. The victims, a man and his girlfriend, told officers two Hispanic men entered the house unannounced wielding a knife.

The man said he recognized Robledo as one of the burglars from when the two used to hang out. The second suspect, who is still at large, allegedly pushed the man onto the sofa, struck him in the head and body and held a knife to his throat. According to the court complaint, the knife had a six-inch blade.

The man’s girlfriend reportedly tried to call 911 from the kitchen, but Robledo allegedly grabbed the phone from her hand and left with it.

Court documents state Robledo told the man he owed money and should pay up. The man told officers he thinks the demand for money stems from a $230 debt he owes his ex-girlfriend. He told police Robledo and his ex-girlfriend are friends.

Robledo was arrested on Dec. 6 at the Law Enforcement Center, according to court documents. In court Thursday, he demanded a speedy trial, but no date has been set.