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Ex-teacher says not guilty to abuse A former Central Point teacher has pleaded innocent to several sex crimes involving a teenage girl. An attorney for Tom Lees, 52, filed paperwork in Jackson County court Wednesday that entered not guilty pleas on charges of third-degree abuse, attempted third-degree rape, harassment (intimate touching) and furnishing a minor with liquor. The filing canceled the need for a scheduled court appearance Wednesday. A pre-trial hearing was set for Jan. 13. Lees, who taught eighth-grade social studies at Scenic Middle School for 15 years and coached girls basketball, was arrested Nov. 16 -- the same day a lengthy school investigation culminated with his dismissal for "unprofessional conduct." He spent the night in jail, but a judge released him the following day on his own recognizance. Prosecutors and school officials have refused to discuss the case in detail. By definition, the charges involve a girl between the ages of 14 and 16. Manary has said the alleged victim was a former student. She wouldn't say whether the girl was a student when the abuse allegedly occurred or whether Lees was ever her teacher. The sex-abuse allegations involve the same girl. Lees is also accused of a fifth charge -- furnishing a minor with liquor -- involving a different girl. The allegations surfaced in June, and Lees was put on paid administrative leave after the new school year began in September, Manary said. According to court records, Lees' wife filed for divorce last month. He now has an address in Medford. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA