GLENWOOD, Iowa (AP) — A Libertarian candidate running for the Iowa Senate seat vacated by U.S. Senator-elect Joni Ernst faces a misdemeanor sexual assault charge in eastern Nebraska.

69-year-old Donald Brantz has also been charged with assault, disturbing the peace and interfering with a public service company in Sarpy County.

Prosecutors say Brantz is accused of inappropriately touching a woman on Oct. 10 and threatening to choke her. Authorities say he hung up a phone the woman used to call 911.

Brantz has pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Chad Primmer of Council Bluffs, did not immediately return a message Friday.

Brantz is a former Mills County Board member. He faces Republican Mark Costello, of Imogene, and Democrat Steven Adams, of Red Oak, in the Dec. 30 election.