A former Texarkana, Ark., School District dance teacher and coach accused of sexual misconduct with a 17-year-old boy pleaded not guilty at a hearing Tuesday morning at the Miller County Correctional Center.
Julie Aultman, 42, is facing first and second degree sexual assault charges in Miller County. Special Prosecutor Jack McQuarry is handling the case for the state because Prosecuting Attorney Stephanie Black, who is a friend of Aultman’s, recused her office. Aultman appeared for arraignment with Texarkana lawyer Jason Horton at a hearing before Circuit Judge Kirk Johnson.
Johnson scheduled Aultman to return to court Aug. 16 for a regular pretrial hearing before Circuit Judge Carlton Jones, who is the judge assigned to the case. Johnson said Jones will set the case for trial at that time.
Aultman worked for TASD from August 2006 until she resigned March 15. She turned herself in to Texarkana, Ark., police on an arrest warrant in April and was released after posting bond on $2,500 bail.
First degree sexual assault is punishable by six to 30 years in prison, and second degree sexual assault is punishable by five to 20 years in prison.