Centreville Assistant Police Chief Cory Allen on Thursday told a federal judge he was not guilty and was allowed to go free until his trial.

Allen was arraigned in a packed courtroom before U.S. District Magistrate Stephen C. Williams at 11:15 a.m. Thursday and said he was not guilty. He was investigated for selling a gun to a convicted felon for $100 on May 3 and then charged Dec. 1 with lying to a federal agent when he was asked about the transaction.

Allen, 31, is scheduled for trial Feb. 25 before U.S. District Judge Michael Reagan. He was represented by a public defender at the hearing Thursday, but said he intends to get his own lawyer.

Williams told him he'd better hurry, because the trial was coming up soon.

Williams allowed Allen to go free on a $10,000 bond, which he was not required to secure with any cash or property. He must also surrender all his guns by 5 p.m. Thursday to a licensed gun owner.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Weinhoeft did not object to the terms of Allen's freedom.

Allen faces a maximum of up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of lying to federal agents. He is on paid administrative leave from the police force.

Allen wore a black suit and appeared before a large audience of co-workers, family and friends.

Allen has been with the Centreville Police Department for more than five years and was named assistant chief in 2011. He was formerly the Alorton police chief.