PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) — A December trial has been scheduled for a 35-year-old eastern Nebraska man accused of shackling his teenage nephew to a bed to keep the boy from going out and misbehaving.

Cass County District Court records say Wade Merry, of Plattsmouth, on Monday pleaded not guilty to felony child abuse. His trial is set to begin on Dec. 2.

Police say the 14-year-old was shackled to the bed at least a dozen times. A court document says Merry told police he restrained the boy while Merry worked overnight shifts at a bakery. Merry says he was frustrated by the boy’s behavior problems.

Police say Merry gave the boy a cup in case he needed to use a bathroom while shackled.