A New Berlin man pleaded not guilty Thursday to criminal charges that allege he pointed a loaded handgun at a state senator to threaten the Chicago-based lawmaker as the two were driving cars March 15 in Springfield. Michael L. Hoyle, 54, who is free after posting $15,000 bail the day after the alleged incident, entered the plea in front of Sangamon County Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin. A trial was scheduled for July. Hoyle, the president and owner of Kwik-Wall Co. of Springfield, was arrested the night of the incident involving Sen. Elgie Sims Jr., D-Chicago. County prosecutors haven’t provided a motive. Hoyle has been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a felony, and misdemeanor counts of aggravated assault and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the incident. The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of one to three years in prison.