Trial for a former Omaha middle school teacher accused of molesting students has been set for Feb. 20.

Prosecutors say 35-year-old Shad Knutson molested or had inappropriate relationships with five students ages 13 to 15 from 2008 through 2010.

He's charged with seven felony counts, including sexual assault of a child.

Knutson was a social studies teacher at Nathan Hale Magnet Middle School. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Knutson's attorney had sought separate trials for the various charges against him.

But Douglas County District Judge Duane Dougherty rejected that request last month, saying there are enough similarities in the various accusations against him that the girls he is accused of molesting may all testify against him at the same trial.