BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A Garces High School teacher pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of a sex act with a student.

Marshall Neal did not speak to reporters when he entered and left the courtroom.

He is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student while on a class trip.

Police said they recorded a phone conversation between Neal and the victim in which he tried to persuade her to lie to police about the incident.

Neal will return to court on Jan. 31.