Man pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges

BENTON, Mo. -- Charles E. Rothman, accused of nine counts of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, pleaded not guilty Tuesday when he was arraigned on the charges. Rothman became the subject of an intense search last week when he apparently tried to fake his death to escape prosecution by setting his fishing boat adrift in the Diversion Channel. He was arrested in Poplar Bluff, Mo., when police tracked him after he used his ATM card. Rothman is accused of repeatedly engaging in sex acts with the girl over several months. The nine felonies -- three counts of statutory rape and six counts of statutory sodomy -- each carry a penalty of five years to life in prison. Rothman, 65, of Scott City met the girl when her grandmother brought her to a church where Rothman preached, according to sworn statements filed with the charges against him.