A Catholic priest in the Pittsburgh diocese has pled not guilty to possessing thousands of child pornography images.

The 62-year-old cleric arrived at his hearing in U.S. District Court for his arraignment in the custody of U.S. Marshals.

The former pastor of St. John Fischer Church in Churchville was wearing arm and leg shackles.

If convicted of receiving child pornography on a computer, he could serve up to 20 years in prison.

If convicted of possessing child pornography, he could serve up to a 10-year sentence.

The priest left court under house arrest wearing an electronic ankle bracelet after promising the Chief Magistrate he'd attend every court appearance, and that he'd pay $50,000 if he didn't show up.

He's not allowed access to computers and is not allowed unsupervised contact with children, according to the judge's ruling. He was indicted earlier this week by a federal grand jury for child pornography, and he was already charged in state court.

According to authorities, a female church worker witnessed the priest viewing on his computer an image of a boy between the ages of five and 10 who was naked from the waist down.

The affidavit further reports more than 5,000 images were found on the pastor's computer following subsequent police searches.

"I still don't understand the federal interest in this case," the priest's attorney said. "He was already arrested and processed by the state."

According to authorities, state charges against the pastor have been dismissed.

Allegheny County police arrested him in early December and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh placed him on administrative leave.

Source: Reuters: "Pittsburgh priest denies child pornography charges," Jan. 6, 2012