HILO, Hawaii — The Hawaii County Police Department has confirmed it was a police officer who had a census worker arrested for trespassing.

But Maj. Sam Thomas has declined to name the officer, saying he can't discuss the case because it's ongoing.

Census worker Russell Haas has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor trespassing. A pretrial hearing is set for June 17.

Haas has the support of federal prosecutors, who want the case moved to U.S. District Court.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Butrick says Haas is a federal employee and the March 10 incident occurred while he was performing his duties. Butrick says he would act as Haas' defense attorney.

County Deputy Prosecutor Christopher Bridges says he'll try to keep the case in state court.

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Information from: Hawaii Tribune-Herald, http://www.hilohawaiitribune.com