A man accused of having a sexual relationship with a teen earlier this year appeared in Natrona County District Court on Tuesday and entered not guilty pleas to the three felony charges filed against him.

Justin T. Niegisch, who was born in 1996, faces two counts of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor and one count of sexual exploitation of children. He could face up to 42 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Niegisch allegedly had a 37-day sexual relationship with the 16-year-old victim. The victim, in an interview with a detective, said that she and Niegisch had sex at least four times.

The victim's father found out about the relationship in the early morning hours of Sept. 7 when the victim returned home after 2 a.m. When she entered the house, her father confronted her and the victim said she had fallen asleep with her "boyfriend."

Her father became upset and drove to Niegisch's house to confront him. After a brief argument, her father called the police.

An officer arrived at Niegisch's house to find Niegisch on the ground with his hands behind his back. Niegisch allegedly said, "I'm guilty. I had sex with her." He was taken to the Casper Police Department.

Niegisch remained free on bond at the time of Tuesday's arraignment.

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