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An Omaha restaurant owner has pleaded not guilty to a charge of obstructing a government operation, a misdemeanor, after officials say he posted photos online of minors trying to purchase alcohol at his business.

John Horvatinovich, who owns Salt 88 at 3623 N. 129th St., faces a penalty of up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine or both if convicted. He said Tuesday that he intends to fight the charge.

“We entered a not-guilty plea immediately,” Horvatinovich said. “The main thing is we did not serve a minor and filed a not-guilty plea with the court.”

The photos in question were captured on the restaurant’s video surveillance system and posted on Salt 88’s Twitter account, according to Diane Riibe, executive director of Project Extra Mile, which works to prevent underage drinking.

A screen shot of the post shows two minors accompanied by a comment warning other restaurants about a compliance check. The comment reads, “Omaha restaurant peeps: These two are trying to ruin your night w/sting operations in town.”

The minors who unsuccessfully tried to purchase alcohol at Salt 88 were part of a compliance check organized by Project Extra Mile. Riibe said the photos that were posted online compromised the minors’ safety.