A former Prince Albert RCMP officer charged with first-degree murder has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Fifty-three-year-old Bernie Herman, a more than 30-year veteran of the force, is charged in death of 26-year-old Braden Herman.

Braden Herman’s body was found by Prince Albert police on May 11 in a wooded area near Little Red River Park on the outskirts of the city.

Police say the two are not related but were known to one and other.

Bernie Herman’s lawyer Brad Mitchell entered the plea Wednesday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

Prince Albert police say Bernie Herman provided officers with information that led them to the body and it appeared Braden Herman had been shot.

Police also say Bernie Herman was not on duty at the time of the incident but had been at work that day.

He resigned from the RCMP shortly after he was charged.

A preliminary hearing date has been set for the week of Dec. 13.

(PHOTO: Braden Herman’s body was found in a wooded area on the outskirts of Prince Albert on May 11. File photo.)