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Phoenix man says `not guilty' of sex abuse Phoenix police officer Jon Bigman pleaded not guilty Thursday to sexual misconduct charges involving two teenage girls. Bigman, 31, appeared Thursday before Jackson County Judge Dan Harris on a seven-count indictment: two counts of third-degree sexual abuse, two counts of public indecency, two counts of furnishing alcohol to a minor and one count of tampering with a witness. Bigman was represented by attorney Donald Upham of Portland. The judge set a pre-trial hearing for Nov. 29. In the meantime, Bigman remains free on bond. Prosecutors allege the officer plied the girls with alcohol, exposed himself in their presence and fondled one of them at least twice. The charges stem from off-duty encounters in August, authorities say. One of the encounters allegedly occurred at a fellow officer's wedding reception. Bigman was arrested Sept. 8 by Oregon State Police. The City Council later placed him on unpaid administrative leave pending trial. Prosecutors have said Bigman was charged with tampering after he tried to influence a witness in the case. To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, a Klamath County prosecutor is handling the case. Bigman was the second Phoenix police officer this year who found himself on the wrong side of the law. Officer Mike West, 49, resigned and left the state after he was accused of choking a belligerent but handcuffed shoplifter last year. His next court date is Nov. 23. After Bigman's arrest, Phoenix police chief Bob Kershaw said he planned to meet with his staff for a review of employee conduct. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA