LISBON — An Austintown attorney charged in a sex sting pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he tried to solicit a prostitute.

David Gerchak, 55, of Staatz Drive, appeared in Columbiana County Municipal Court on Thursday for a pretrial hearing before Judge Katelyn Dickey. He was without a lawyer, but said he is prepared to hire private counsel.

He is charged with engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools, both first-degree misdemeanors that could carry up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. Gerchak waived his right to a speedy trial and is expected back in court Nov. 3.

Members of the Salem Police Department and the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Gerchak on Wednesday in Salem at the corner of West State Street and South Howard Avenue, according to a Salem police report. He was booked into the Columbiana County jail, but is now free after posting a $2,000 bond.