Dr. James Alford, former president and CEO of the NKU Foundation, pleaded not guilty to charges of trafficking marijuana Friday.

Alford, 52, was indicted by a grand jury March 13 for trafficking marijuana within 1,000 yards of a school, which carries a penalty of up to five years in jail.

Highland Heights police and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force searched Alford’s Highland Heights home Dec. 19.

In addition to marijuana they found baggies and scales.

Alford faces a possible five additional years in jail because a .38-caliber pistol was found near the marijuana.

Alford was responsible for handling the day-to-day operations of the NKU Foundation, which collects and invests private contributions to the University.

Following his arrest he was suspended indefinitely from his duties and subsequently resigned.

Henry “Bud” Pogue IV, the Foundation’s vice president, is currently serving as president until a replacement is named.

Alford’s pre-trial is set for April 11.