LA Sheriff's Psychologist Pleads Not Guilty To Child Sex Charges

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A psychologist with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has pleaded not guilty to molesting a 9-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl.

Michael Dane Ward, 44, entered pleas Monday to 10 felonies involving lewd or forcible sex acts with children. He remains jailed and could face life in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors say the molestation occurred between mid-2014 and March 31 of this year.

There's no immediate word on Ward's relationship to the children but the Sheriff's Department says the alleged acts didn't involve contacts Ward made in connection with his work for the department.

City News Service says he mainly trained investigators.

Ward was relieved of duty last week pending the outcome of the criminal case.

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