Former Sunnyvale charter school employee pleads not guilty to sexual assault charges

SUNNYVALE, Calif. (KGO) -- The suspect accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old student at a Sunnyvale charter school has pleaded not guilty. Jonathan Chow, 18, worked part time at Spark Charter School.

The defendant entered a not guilty plea inside a Palo Alto courtroom and his attorney requested a psychological evaluation.

Chow's attorney entered a not guilty plea to one count of sexual penetration with a child, two counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child and two counts of child pornography charge. Chow was a part time lunch monitor and extended care teacher's assisted at spark charter school in Sunnyvale.

The elementary school has about 160 students and just opened this year. Chow was arrested for the alleged sexual assault of an 8-year-old student on campus on September 15. The girl reported the incident to her mother. After that, Spark Charter was closed for a few days after it was discovered the school did not complete background checks on employees. It has since re-opened.

The San Jose Mercury News, reports a claim on behalf of the parents of the child has also been made against the school and county board of education, that's a precursor to a lawsuit.

As for the criminal case, Chow will be back in court for a bail hearing on December 7. He could face life in prison if convicted on all charges.