BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A police officer charged with a moving violation causing death in a crash that killed a woman trying to cross a southwestern Michigan road is denying wrongdoing.

The Herald-Palladium of St. Joseph reports Eugene Anderson, who pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor, told the board of trustees meeting in Benton Township on Tuesday he’s been railroaded. He’s promising to “fight for his freedom.”

Berrien County Prosecutor Michael Sepic last month announced the charge. It’s punishable by up to a year in jail upon conviction.

Sepic says Anderson was responding to a domestic disturbance report about 9 p.m. on Sept. 20 when 48-year-old Kimberly Bedford was struck by his patrol car. The car was traveling about 65 mph in a 35 mph zone. Police have said Anderson was later fired.