One of two people charged with stealing a car after a routine speeding stop in Mower County led to felony charges has pleaded not guilty.

Merrick Michael Jervis, 35, of Bayport pleaded not guilty to felony theft of a vehicle in Mower County court Monday, while the other person charged — Dusti Lynn Olson, 27, of Dodge Center — failed to appear in court. Olson also faces a misdemeanor charge for driving after revocation.

According to court records, a Mower County Sheriff’s deputy clocked a 2001 Buick Century going 71 mph in a 55 mph zone on Highway 56 at 8:33 p.m. on Aug. 27 near the intersection of County Road 9.

After the deputy initiated a traffic stop, dispatch informed the deputy that the vehicle had been reported stolen.

The deputy advised Olson, who was driving, and Jervis that the vehicle came back stolen, but they said it belonged to a friend. However, Jervis only knew the owner’s first name.

Olson told officers they were driving to see a friend in Charles City, Iowa, and they couldn’t explain why it came back as stolen and were arrested.

When contacted later, the Buick’s owner said he didn’t know Jervis or Olson and gave police consent to search the Buick.

Officers found several items still with the tags from Fleet Farm — including boots Olson was wearing — which officers suspected were stolen. Police also seized a Nook Tablet and a few cell phones.

Olson’s license came back as expired.