WILMINGTON, Calif. (KTLA) — A former elementary school teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District plead not guilty Thursday to child molestation charges.

Robert Pimentel, 57, who taught at George de La Torre Jr. Elementary School in Wilmington, was charged by the D.A.’s office Thursday with eight counts of continuous sexual abuse and seven counts of lewd acts on a child.

Police launched an investigation last March after several fourth grade girls said they had been inappropriately touched.

Chip Yost has more on the case which could involve as many as 20 students.