CHEYENNE — A Cheyenne elementary school teacher charged with 16 felony counts of sexual abuse of minors pleaded not guilty to all charges Thursday.

Brian Wrhel, a 55-year-old fifth-grade teacher, was arrested July 28 on nine counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor and seven counts of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor.

Each charge of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Each third-degree sexual abuse of a minor charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Wrhel pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday morning in Laramie County District Court. He has been out on a $500,000 cash surety bond since Aug. 8.

Per his bond conditions, Wrhel is prohibited from having any contact with minors. He

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