BANGOR (AP) — A former education technician at a Maine public school has pleaded not guilty to charges of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student.

Tammy Larlee entered her plea in a Penobscot county court on Thursday to charges gross sexual assault and sexual abuse of a minor.

The 45-year-old Larlee, of Lincoln, appeared in court alone and had no comment. The judge ruled that she qualified for a public defender.

She was released on personal recognizance under certain conditions, including that she stay off property and have no contact with the alleged victim or anyone under the age of 17.

Authorities said the relationship occurred this summer and was uncovered during an unrelated investigation. Larlee was an ed-tech for special education students at Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln.