FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Former West Fargo High School teacher Aaron Knodel says he never had a sexual relationship with an underage student.
Knodel took the stand in his defense Friday.
The 36-year-old teacher is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student over a period of several weeks in early 2009. He’s pleaded not guilty to five counts of felony corruption or solicitation of a minor.
Knodel said despite what the alleged victim says, he never had a sexual relationship with her and she was never inside his home. He told the jury that he was helping the student deal with a series of personal and family issues.
Knodel was named North Dakota teacher of the year in 2014, before the allegations surfaced.
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