New York ( CNN ) -- A housekeeper at the U.S. Military Academy could face up to two years in jail if convicted of trying to steal a bag of frozen meatballs . Estelle Casimir pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in White Plains , New York , this month , according to her attorney . `` She is very upset , '' said Michael Ferraro . `` We 've pleaded not guilty , definitely . '' Casimir has been charged with stealing from the mess hall at the famed military academy in West Point , New York , on January 30 . She faces two counts of misdemeanor crimes for stealing property and possessing stolen property . Each count carries a possible penalty of up to one year in jail and a $ 1,000 fine . According to a signed affidavit , the operations manager on duty at West Point , spotted Casimir trying to hide a black bag with her hand and asked her what it was . `` Nothing , it is garbage , '' Casimir reportedly replied . After some reluctance , Casimir revealed the bag of meatballs , the affidavit states . On the mess hall 's menu that night : meatballs . `` If it is garbage why did n't you throw it away near the pantry area , where they have a dumpster by the door ? '' the manager asked , according to the affidavit . Casimir claimed that she found the bag in a trash container and was going downstairs to throw it in another dumpster , the affidavit states . Pending the outcome of her case , Casimir has been suspended without pay by her employer , Watson Services , which provides food services at West Point , Ferraro said . Attempts to contact the military police at West Point , Watson Services and Casimir were unsuccessful . Ferraro said he 'll be trying to reach an agreement with the assistant U.S. attorney . If he ca n't , Casimir is scheduled to be back in court on April 19 . `` Obviously nobody wants to go to jail , '' he said .
Housekeeper is accused of trying to steal a bag of frozen food . Estelle Casimir has pleaded not guilty . She says she tried to sneak the food out , claiming the bag was garbage . If convicted , she will face up to two years in jail and a $ 2,000 fine .