A Walters man who allegedly sexually assaulted a young teenage girl he knew earlier this year pleaded not guilty on Thursday in Freeborn County District Court.

Preston Allen Adams, 19, is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Court documents state Adams was charged after a deputy was dispatched to a report of criminal sexual conduct Aug. 11.

In an Aug. 17 interview, the alleged victim said earlier this year, Adams sexually assaulted her.

District Court Judge Steven Schwab kept conditional bail at $10,000. A settlement conference is scheduled for Nov. 15, and a jury trial is expected to begin Feb. 13, if the case has not been settled by then.

As of Friday morning, Adams was not in custody.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.