A North Platte man has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl.

Thomas Hunt appeared in Lincoln County District Court on Monday and entered his plea.

The 50-year-old Hunt was first arrested in September after a boy told a school counselor that he had seen Hunt assault the girl. Prosecutors added three more first-degree sexual-assault charges in October after investigating further.

Police have said the case involves several incidents over two years that date back to when the girl was 9 years old.

Hunt remains free on bond, and his trial has been scheduled for Feb. 23. If convicted on all charges, Hunt could face life in prison.

Hunt's attorney declined to comment on the case on Monday.