A former Tillicum Middle School teacher pled not guilty Thursday to child rape charges for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old former student.

Matthew J. Jones, 31, was allegedly naked with the girl in the backseat of his 2009 Honda Civic when he was caught by Bellevue Police in Latawood Park on March 20, according to court documents.

He resigned from the Bellevue School District amid allegations of inappropriate conduct with the girl, according to a letter to parents March 22 from Tillicum principal Dion Yahoudy.

Jones was the girl’s science teacher in the 7th and 8th grades, but he and the girl said the relationship was not formed until she was 15.

According to court documents, the two began meeting for sex weekly last July.

Jones was charged with third-degree child rape as well as third-degree child molestation and first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor, according to court documents.

Jones was released on $10,000 bail following his arraignment today. He will return to his parents’ home in Longview.