WILKES-BARRE (AP) — The McAdoo man accused of threatening President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to state burglary charges stemming from a break-in that took place while he was on the run.

Shawn Richard Christy, 27, is facing burglary and theft-related charges alleging he broke into his uncle’s Butler Township home in July while on the run from U.S. Marshals, who were seeking him on federal charges alleging he threatened the president on Facebook.

In court Thursday, Christy entered his plea and told Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough he would not be applying for a public defender.

“You want to represent yourself?” Vough asked.

“Yes,” Christy said.

Christy then requested a change of venue, alleging Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis has a conflict of interest in the case. Vough directed him to file a written motion.

“I’m going to expect you to follow the rules of evidence, just like any attorney,” Vough said.

The judge appointed defense attorney Mary Deady to be Christy’s “legal advisor” and set a trial date of April 1.

“Just be prepared, sir,” Vough said.

Prosecutors allege Christy broke into his uncle’s home on Klinger Road on July 25, while he was on the run from U.S. Marshals. His uncle found two handwritten notes on the kitchen table — one to Christy’s parents and another to his uncle, according to prosecutors.

“I am sorry I had to hit you up but I have some rather bad people after me,” read the note to Christy’s uncle, which was signed “SRC.” “I’d rather go out with some firepower.”

A search of the home revealed a Ruger P85 9mm pistol, an AMT .380 pistol and a Smith & Wesson .22-caliber revolver had been stolen, prosecutors said. U.S. Marshals found the AMT in Christy’s possession when he was arrested, and authorities recovered a note in which Christy detailed where he had left the revolver in Kentucky, according to prosecutors.

Representing himself at a preliminary hearing in December, Christy unsuccessfully tried twice to have the charges dismissed.

He is also facing a dozen charges in federal court related to threats on the president and other crimes he is accused of committing while on the run.

Christy was originally indicted in July on four counts but eluded capture for months in a high-profile search. He was eventually captured Sept. 21 in Ohio.

Christy, who has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges, is being detained pending trial at the Lackawanna County Prison.