OTTAWA, Ohio (AP) — A Scotsman who was released after two decades on Ohio’s death row has again been charged with threatening a former assistant prosecutor.

The Lima News reports Ken Richey pleaded not guilty on Thursday to retaliation charges. A message seeking comment was left with his attorney.

It’s the second time the 55-year-old Richey has been accused of threatening a former judge who prosecuted his original case in the 1980s. In 2012, Richey was sentenced to three years in prison for making threats.

He was on death row until 2008 after being convicted of setting a fire that killed a 2-year-old girl.

He denied any involvement, and a U.S. court determined his lawyers mishandled the case. Richey was set free under a plea deal and had drawn support from Pope John Paul II.

FILE – In this Jan. 25, 2012 file photo, Ken Richey, lower right, sits with attorney Greg Meyers during a court appearance in Ottawa, Ohio. Richey, a Scotsman who was released after two decades on Ohio’s death row, has again been charged with threatening a former assistant prosecutor. The Lima News reports Richey pleaded not guilty to retaliation charges Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/John Seewer, File)

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2019/10/web1_123714513-6d07426c3f3446558813c5d668e0fee0.jpgFILE – In this Jan. 25, 2012 file photo, Ken Richey, lower right, sits with attorney Greg Meyers during a court appearance in Ottawa, Ohio. Richey, a Scotsman who was released after two decades on Ohio’s death row, has again been charged with threatening a former assistant prosecutor. The Lima News reports Richey pleaded not guilty to retaliation charges Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/John Seewer, File)