WAYNE, Neb. – A former northeast Nebraska teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a student has pleaded not guilty to three felony charges.

Cali Heikes, who previously worked as a family and consumer sciences teacher at Winside Public Schools, appeared in Wayne County District Court Wednesday morning. She pleaded not guilty to three felony charges of sexual abuse by a school employee.

Heikes was arrested in January. The 26-year-old is accused of having a relationship with a 17-year-old student.

A graduate of Winside High School and Wayne State College, Heikes is currently out on bond. In March, her bond was doubled after authorities reportedly discovered a letter written by Heikes to the alleged victim.

Wayne County Sheriff Jason Dwinell said in January that his office received a tip regarding a potential relationship between the then-25-year-old Heikes and a student.

Her court appearance comes just weeks after 29-year-old Rachel McPhillips, also a former Winside teacher, was sentenced for an inappropriate relationship with a student.

McPhillips, who had been facing charges of child abuse and third-degree sexual assault, pleaded no contest to amended charges in Wayne County Court in February. According to court documents, McPhillips entered her pleas to charges of disturbing the peace and attempting a class 1 misdemeanor.

McPhillips was sentenced to 90 days in jail for disturbing the peace. She received another 90 days for attempting a class 1 misdemeanor. She also received two years of probation for the latter charge.

Heikes is next due in court on June 6. Her jury trial is slated to start in July.