Syracuse Parks and Recreation Commissioner Lazarus Sims pleaded not guilty to a charge of third-degree grand larceny.

Sims, a former Syracuse University basketball player, started as commissioner in 2015 but was placed on leave in late March.

Court papers allege Sims took property valued at more than $3,000 from the Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation between October of 2016 and October of 2017.

According to city records, Sims made $72,000 last year as parks commissioner.

His deputy commissioner has taken over the day-to-day duties.

Sims was released on his own recognizance and is expected back in court on May 7.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, weighed in on Tuesday's proceedings saying in a statement:

"I’m saddened for the city and for Commissioner Sims. Lazarus has done a lot of good for Syracuse and, in particular, for young people in the city. We will review the charges while we work with legal counsel to determine the appropriate next step in light of this development."