Former councilman pleads not guilty to sex charge

BOISE (AP) - A former southwest Idaho city councilman pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual battery of a minor.

Bradley Spencer resigned from the Middleton City Council after Idaho State Police investigators said he admitted having sex with a 17-year-old girl. The 56-year-old entered his plea in 3rd District Court on Friday.

His trial was set for Jan. 27.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in the case, Spencer told investigators that he was aware of the girl's age and that they were in love.

He resigned Sept. 8, the same day he posted $100,000 bond and was released from jail. He had been serving on the four-member city council since 2011.