ELLSWORTH — A former teacher and coach at a Maine school has pleaded not guilty to having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old student 15 years ago.

WABI-TV reports that Ben Hodgdon, a former teacher at Tremont Consolidated school, remains free on $5,000 bail after his arraignment Tuesday in Hancock District Court in Ellsworth.

Prosecutors allege the 45-year-old Hodgdon had sex with a 13-year-old girl multiple times in 1999. Authorities say she was a member of the cross country team he coached.

He faces eight counts, including gross sexual assault, unlawful sexual contact and sexual abuse of a minor.

The woman recently reported the allegations to police.

He has not been a teacher at the school since 2003.

His lawyer had no comment.

He’s due back in court in July.