An Austin man who allegedly held a 20-gauge shotgun to his son’s head pleaded not guilty in Mower County court Thursday.

Victor John Ineson, 36, was charged with three felonies and one gross misdemeanor on May 31. His charges include possessing a firearm as a felon, possessing a weapon as a controlled substance user and two drug charges.

The alleged incident happened on March 29, when Ineson’s ex-wife brought their three children to Ineson’s house for a visit. According to a court complaint, one of the children told the woman that Ineson had held the shotgun to the boy’s head while he was sleeping and said, “Wake up; this is the police.” The child said the gun was not loaded and Ineson was “just playing around.”

According to court documents, the boy said the gun is his, but his dad is keeping it at his house until the boy is old enough to use it.

When police searched Ineson’s home, they found a small weed growing operation in the furnace closet, along with a small amount of methamphetamine. Ineson told police his ex-wife is trying to get him in trouble, according to the court complaint.

Ineson, who is a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms. He told officers the gun was a gift for his son.

Ineson’s criminal history includes felony burglary and theft convictions from 1992 in Michigan, according to court documents.

His jury trial is scheduled to begin July 25.