Disgraced former San Jose City Councilman Omar Torres pleaded not guilty Monday morning to charges related to sex crimes involving minors.

During his brief court appearance, Torres appeared with a shaved head and face, dressed in a brown jail uniform.

He entered a not guilty plea to three felony counts of child sexual assault and is set to return to court on April 28 for a preliminary hearing. In a previous court appearance in November, Torres sought release on bail, but the judge denied his request, citing him as a continued danger to the community.

Torres was under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct with a man who was a minor when their relationship began. He claims the man is attempting to blackmail him.

Following the public disclosure of the investigation, a relative came forward, alleging that Torres had molested him in the 1990s when he was a minor, according to authorities.

If convicted on all three felony charges, Torres could face up to 24 years in prison.