The guard, Luis Manco, 43, of Watchung, allegedly touched a student at iPrep Academy School No. 8 inappropriately on several occasions throughout the school year.
ELIZABETH -- The Elizabeth elementary school security guard charged with sexually assaulting a student entered a not guilty plea at his first appearance in court this morning.
The guard, Luis Manco, 43, of Watchung, allegedly touched a student at iPrep Academy School No. 8 inappropriately on several occasions throughout the school year.
Manco was arrested at the city's Board of Educations offices last week and is charged with second-degree sexual assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The Elizabeth school district suspended Manco from his job without pay.
At his brief first appearance this morning, Manco answered questions from Judge Brenda Coppola Cuba with the help of a Spanish translator.
Manco said he had retained a private attorney, though that attorney did not attend today's hearing.
Cuba explained that she would enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Manco is being held at Union County Jail with bail set at $100,000. Manco's next court date is scheduled for July 20.
The prosecutor's office urges anyone with information about Manco's activities to call Detective Joanne Son at 908-527-4696.
Jessica Remo may be reached at jremo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessicaRemoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.