Lewis-Palmer coach pleads not guilty in sex case

THE CASE: At least two female basketball players at Lewis-Palmer Middle School in Monument told El Paso County Sheriff's investigators their coach touched them in a sexual manner several times, grabbing their buttocks and chests during practices, according to an arrest affidavit. The gym doors were locked during practice. One girl told investigators the suspect tried to look down the girls' shirts in the school hallways and made inappropriate, sexually oriented comments to them, according to the affidavit. The incidents allegedly happened as early as the 2006-07 basketball season.

THE SUSPECT: Gregory Jackson, 34, of Colorado Springs was also the school's girls volleyball coach. School District 38 officials have placed Jackson on paid administrative leave since his Dec. 20 arrest.

WHAT'S NEW: Jackson pleaded not guilty to five felony charges, including sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, a pattern of sexual abuse and sexual abuse on a child younger than 15 years old. He could face up to life in prison if convicted.

WHAT'S NEXT: 4th Judicial District Judge Gilbert Martinez set Jackson's trial for Aug. 25. Jackson remains free on $25,000 bail.