CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A former executive of Freedom Industries has pleaded guilty to a crime connected to the massive chemical spill that contaminated the water supply for hundreds of thousands of people.

William Tis, 60, pleaded guilty to a count of causing unlawful discharge of refuse matter.

When U.S. District Judge Thomas Johnston asked Tis point blank "did you do it?" Tis responded saying "I have signed my name to these documents, but no, I don't believe I committed a crime."

Judge Johnston was apprehensive about continuing the hearing, saying "this exchange is rather unique in my experience."

Tis went on to explain that while he doesn't feel responsible for the chemical spill, as a corporate officer, he takes responsibility.

Judge Johnston went ahead and set a sentencing date for June 22 at 2:00 p.m.

As he left the federal courthouse, WSAZ asked Tis to further explain what he meant when he said "I didn't commit a crime," but one of his attorneys jumped in and said "he has no comment."

The chemical spill happened on January 9, 2014 when MCHM leaked from a storage tank at Freedom Industries and went into the Elk River.

Another former executive of the company, Charles Herzing, is set to plea Monday afternoon. WSAZ will have a reporter in the courtroom.

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UPDATE: Former Freedom Executive Pleads Guilty to Chemical Spill Charge