VALDOSTA – A former Lowndes High School teacher pleaded not guilty Friday to multiple counts of sexual assault of students.

Phoebe Chapman, 42, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault, according to a court official.

On Friday, Chapman waived arraignment and entered a not guilty plea, said Chief Assistant District Attorney Brad Shealy.

In March, investigators with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office received information concerning rumors of sexual contact between the career and technical instruction teacher and male students at the high school.

Investigators reportedly identified three male students who have confirmed having had sexual relations with Chapman.

“Most of these students have now graduated, but each of the alleged instances was confirmed to have occurred while the children were students at the high school,” according to LCSO Capt. Stryde Jones.

A trial date has yet to be set.