A Casper man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges alleging he kidnapped and sexually exploited an elementary school-aged girl who lived near him.

Aaron Ridley, 24, appeared in Natrona County District Court alongside his attorney to answer to four charges stemming from his Feb. 18 arrest by Casper police. Wearing a dress shirt and slacks, Ridley spoke only to answer questions from Judge Scott Skavdahl.

Ridley faces up to 48 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

On Feb. 18, police responded to a Paradise Valley-area neighborhood for a report that a man had made a girl touch his genitals.

The girl told police she had encountered a man looking for his dog while she was at a mailbox near her home, according to police. He asked if he could walk with her, and they went to a nearby home.

Inside, the man pulled down his pants and asked the girl to touch his genitals, the girl told police. She screamed and managed to run away.

When police arrived, they found Ridley at the home and arrested him.

Ridley, who also faces charges of indecent liberties with a minor and marijuana possession, remains free on $75,000 bond.