LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — The Lexington teacher facing multiple sex-crime charges has pleaded not guilty.

According to the Fayette County Detention Center, Kevin Lentz, 49, a teacher at Henry Clay High School, has been charged with seven counts of using a minor under 16 in a sexual performance, 10 counts of distribution of obscene matter to a minor, and six counts of tampering with physical evidence.

Lentz’s arrangement was held on Wednesday afternoon. He appeared in the Fayette County District Court via video conference, where he waived his right to a formal arraignment and entered a not-guilty plea.

He will be represented by a private attorney and is due back in court at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 18.

Madylin Goins contributed to this story.

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A Lexington teacher was arrested on multiple sex-crime charges on Tuesday.

According to the Fayette County Detention Center, 49-year-old Kevin Lentz, an English teacher at Henry Clay High School, is charged with seven counts of using a minor under 16 in a sexual performance, 10 counts of distribution of obscene matter to a minor, and six counts of tampering with physical evidence.

According to his citation, Lentz was arrested on Tuesday after police said he induced a 9-year-old male to send sexually explicit images via text. Additionally, Lentz sent multiple images of adult pornography to the victim and repeatedly asked him to delete the conversation.

“We have been made aware of the arrest of Mr. Kevin Lentz.  The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. FCPS will fully cooperate with the all authorities during their investigation. We remain committed to maintaining a secure and supportive learning environment for all our students,” said a Fayette County Public Schools spokesperson.

Fayette County Public Schools said Lentz was placed on administrative leave from FCPS on Tuesday, pending the outcome of the Lexington Police Department’s investigation.

Braxton Caudill contributed to this story.