(updated 3/23 with arraignment hearing date set)

A former teacher with the Anita School District has entered a plea of Not Guilty to charges he sexually exploited a minor female over a period of 13-months. 65-year old William Glenn Foulkes, of Anita, made his plea during his initial court appearance today (Thursday), in Cass County Magistrate’s Court. Foulkes also waived his Preliminary Hearing, and will appear in court during his arraignment hearing at 9-a.m., on April 10th.

Foulkes, a former long-time Math teacher at the Anita High School, and Anita Elementary School, was arrested March 15^th on a felony warrant for Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee, and 49-Aggravated Misdemeanor counts of Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee. If convicted on all of the charges, Foulkes could face a maximum time of 103 years in prison and fines of more than $300,000. Foulkes resigned from his teaching position in November 2010. He’s accused of engaging in sexual conduct on numerous occasions with a minor female while teaching the student in a math program from August 2009 until November 11, 2010.

His Attorney, F. Montgomery Brown, from West Des Moines, spoke with reporters after the hearing. Brown said Foulkes, who is a 40-year employee of the Anita Community School District, “Is a decorated Iraq War veteran who served in the violence and combat. As a commanding sergeant, he will vigorously contest these allegations. He denies any contact or activity with any sexual purpose or ideation.” When asked about the allegations coming to light more than a year after the complaint says they last took place, Brown said the question “Should be addressed to the School District, about when specific complaints were made, and the school district’s response to that.”

When the charges were filed last week, CAM Superintendent Steve Pelzer said at the time Foulkes’ resignation was accepted, “The School Board had no knowledge of any allegations of criminal misconduct.” Foulkes remains free on bond. He was previously ordered not to have contact with his alleged victim.