A retired Los Angeles Police Department detective pleaded not guilty on Oct. 7 to a charge that he embezzled more than $150,000 from a foundation that represents African American LAPD officers and employees, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has announced.

The defendant, James Edwards, 64, was charged with one count of embezzlement, with an allegation of taking more than $50,000. Edwards entered his plea and is scheduled to return on Nov. 6 for a preliminary hearing in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

Prosecutors said Edwards began serving as president of the Oscar Joel Bryant Foundation in July 2011. As president, Edwards was the only person authorized to write checks or make withdrawals from the group’s bank account, prosecutors added.

Prosecutors allege Edwards stole more than $150,000 over a two-year period. When Edwards was questioned in July 2013 by foundation officials about unauthorized transactions, he resigned from the organization. Edwards also retired from the LAPD shortly thereafter.

The defendant has paid back most of the funds, prosecutors said. If convicted, Edwards faces up to four years in county jail.