Youth pastor pleads not guilty to three charges of sexual assault on a minor

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Springs church staffer accused of sexual contact with an underage girl was in court Monday for his arraignment.

Stephen Houlihan, who worked at Fellowship of the Rockies Church, had previously confessed to illegal and inappropriate conduct with an underage girl. On June 7, he was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, internet luring of a child and obscenity.

According to the affidavit, police said Houlihan and the victim, who was 15 at the time, communicated primarily on Instagram. The affidavit says he sent her several sexually explicit photos and repeatedly expressed a desire to have sex with her.

According to the document, Houlihan and the victim spent some time at his house on her birthday, and they kissed twice.

At the arraignment hearing, the charge of internet luring a child with intent to exploit was dropped. However, three other charges were filed, including sexual assault of a child and sexual exploitation of a child. Houlihan pleaded not guilty.

The affidavit also indicates that Houlihan was preparing to move to Texas for a new job and wanted to continue the relationship with the victim. During his confession to police, Houlihan said he and the victim became close when she was having trouble at home.