Former math teacher at prestigious NYC high school accused of sex acts with female student

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - Authorities say a former math teacher at a prestigious New York City high school has been charged with having sexual encounters with a 15-year-old student. Richard Hovan, 30, pleaded not guilty Monday to criminal sex act and child endangerment charges

Defense lawyer Vinoo Varghese says the former Riverdale Country School teacher denies the allegations and is looking forward to clearing his name.

The Manhattan district attorney's office says the encounters happened at Hovan's apartment last year. The New York Daily News reports that according to court documents, the relationship lasted from December 2010 to May 2011.

The documents state that in two separate instances, Hovan engaged in oral sex with the 16-year-old student at his Chelsea condo. Hovan also allegedly sent her a slew of emails and texts messages and made inappropriate phone calls, officials said.

The Riverdale Country School says it fired Hovan quickly after learning about the allegation last May.

The Riverdale Press reports that in a statement released by the School, Head of School Dominic Randolph said he is "deeply saddened by this incident."

He was in his first year of teaching at the private school in the Bronx. Alumni include the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

According to Varghese, Hovan is currently working as a private tutor. The former teacher is free on $25,000 bond.