photo by: Nick Krug

Former Lawrence Mayor Jeremy Farmer enters the Frank Carlson Federal Building on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Topeka. Farmer was appearing on a charge of embezzling funds during his time as the executive director of Just Food.

Former Lawrence Mayor Jeremy Farmer intends to change his plea in a federal embezzlement case.

On Thursday Farmer appeared in a federal courtroom in Topeka, where he pleaded not guilty to one charge of interstate travel of embezzled funds, though his lawyer, John Cowles, said he had intended to plea guilty but wanted more time to consider his options.

According to court documents, Farmer notified the court that he plans to change his plea.

photo by: Nick Krug

Former Lawrence Mayor Jeremy Farmer enters federal court Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Topeka. Farmer is appearing on a charge of embezzling funds during his time as the executive director of Just Food.

His intentions were made public by a Tuesday court filing, and a new hearing was scheduled for the end of September.

Farmer is accused of taking more than $55,000 in funds from the Lawrence food bank Just Food. He was hired as the organization’s executive director in 2011.

Between 2013 and 2015, according to court documents, Farmer allegedly embezzled money from the nonprofit food agency and also adjusted financial statements to hide the thefts.

Farmer resigned from Just Food and his elected seat on the Lawrence City Commission in August 2015 after it was revealed that he had not paid more than $50,000 in federal and state payroll taxes on behalf of Just Food. At the time he said the taxes weren’t paid because of an oversight.

If he is convicted of the charge, Farmer faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Farmer has not been arrested since he was charged. Instead, prosecutors asked for a bond of $5,000 in case he fails to appear at future court hearings.

Farmer, who now lives in Kansas City, Kan., also had to surrender his passport.

On Thursday Farmer did not respond to multiple questions about his criminal charge.

Reached by phone on Tuesday, Cowles did not respond to multiple questions regarding the case.

Farmer is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 28 at 11 a.m.