MIDDLETOWN — A college student in New Jersey will go to court to fight an allegation that he stole a cup of ice from the school cafeteria.

Cedric Calero of Manalapan faces a disorderly person's offense.

The 18-year-old freshman at Brookdale Community College in Middletown tells the Asbury Park Press he had paid for an order of french fries but the cashier had walked away before he could ask for a cup. Calero says he took the cup, filled it with ice and sat down.

A few minutes later, a manager accused the student of stealing.

Calero assumed there was no charge for cups.

College spokeswoman Avis McMillon says there is no sign showing that the cafeteria doesn't give out or sell cups for ice.

The court hearing is scheduled for Monday.