PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) — A Cass County man accused of shackling his teenage nephew to a bed has taken a plea deal.

Court records say 36-year-old Wade Merry pleaded no contest Monday to a misdemeanor count of negligent child abuse after prosecutors lowered the charge from a felony. His trial has been scheduled to begin April 6.

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.