A former United Township High School social studies teacher pleaded not guilty Tuesday to sexual assault charges that stem from three incidents involving an underage student.

Jason Van Houtte, 37, waived his preliminary hearing and his case is now scheduled for trial Jan. 25. Van Houtte, who taught at United Township High School for 15 years, appeared in court with his lawyer, William Schick. Family, including his sister, also accompanied him.

The courtroom was nearly full, but it was unclear whether the victim's family was at the hearing.

Police continue to investigate Van Houtte and have seized his computer in search of evidence, said Moline Police Department's Lt. John Hitchcock. The state also subpoenaed his financial and phone records, according to court records. Jeff Terronez, Rock Island County state's attorney, said he has yet to receive all of the requested information.

Outside the Rock Island County Justice Center, Van Houtte declined to comment.

He is charged with three counts of criminal sexual assault of a minor. Each charge stems from separate incidents at his house in Moline that involved Van Houtte and a female student who turned 16 in July. At least one of the alleged incidents occurred when the student was 15 years old, according to court records.

If found guilty, he faces a maximum 15 years in prison on each count. The felony charges require a mandatory prison sentence, with the person serving at least 85 percent of their time, Terronez said.

United Township High School District school board members unanimously voted Aug. 13 to fire Van Houtte, who was also the head coach of the Orion High School varsity football team. Following his arrest Aug. 12, Orion School District officials placed Van Houtte on leave before the board voted last month to dismiss him.