A south central Kansas teacher has pleaded not guilty to having unlawful sexual relations with a student.

Twenty-four-year-old Ashley Marie Eck, of Augusta, also waived her right to a preliminary hearing during a court appearance Monday in Cowley County.

Eck was a teacher at Winfield High School. The Winfield Daily Courier reports a police investigation began shortly after graduation in May of last year.

She remains on administrative leave from the school district. If convicted, Eck would face a sentence of not less than 31 or more than 136 months in prison, a fine of up to $300,000 and post-release supervision.