A Leavenworth man accused of stealing an 81-year-old homeless man’s clothes and bicycles was charged with theft Thursday in Douglas County District Court.

But James A. May, 52, maintained his innocence throughout his first appearance in front of Judge Pro-Tem Peggy Kittel.

“You need to look into the allegations of the homeless person,” May said.

Lawrence Police arrested May early Thursday morning shortly after an 81-year-old man reported that a man kicked him and took his two bikes and some of his clothes in the 1800 block of Massachusetts Street, Police Capt. David Cobb said.

May’s truck matched the description given by the 81-year-old. Two bikes were found in the back of the truck, and they matched those owned by the theft victim, police said.

During his first appearance, May spoke out several times saying he wanted to file motions and suppress evidence because he heard police say the victim was “homeless.”

“He doesn’t even own any possessions,” May said from the Douglas County Jail. “The police are taking allegations from a homeless person.”

May continued talking even as Kittel attempted to find out whether he needed help securing legal counsel. The matter prompted Kittel to tell May that they couldn’t both speak at the same time.

Kittel assigned Craig A. Stancliffe as May’s attorney and set his bond at $10,000.

May’s next appearance will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday.