Nebraska- [AP] A Lancaster County district judge has yet to rule on whether the owner of a Midwest chain of sex shops will be allowed to run for Lincoln City Council.

The county’s election commission says John Haltom is ineligible for election because of a felony conviction. The Nebraska Constitution bars felons from holding public office unless pardons restored their civil rights.

Haltom says the commission misinterpreted the law.

District Judge Robert Otte heard arguments on Friday and took the case under advisement.

The city council election is April 7.

Haltom owns seven Doctor John’s “lingerie novelty boutiques” in Missouri, Illinois and Nebraska.

He was convicted of selling an adult video to a 17-year-old in Salt Lake City in 2000 and served 30 days.