Hancock County Supervisor Jay Cuevas has pleaded innocent to charges of shoplifting merchandise from a Grand Isle, La., store.

The plea to the misdemeanor count was entered Wednesday by Cuevas’ attorney. Cuevas did not appear in Grand Isle City Court.

Police said Cuevas was arrested July 20 while on vacation in Grand Isle with his family. The incident involved the alleged theft of merchandise from a grocery store near a campground where he was staying at the time.

Cuevas issued a statement Thursday that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding. He said no court date has been scheduled.

Cuevas, a Republican, is being opposed in the November general election by Democrat Tony Wayne Ladner.