Updated

A Union University student has pleaded not guilty after being accused of soliciting four minors for sexual activity while he was working as a youth ministry intern at a Jackson church.

News outlets report that 21-year-old Heath Ransom appeared in Madison County Circuit Court on Tuesday to enter a plea of not guilty to 27 counts, including 13 counts of solicitation of a minor and 13 counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Ransom served as a youth intern at Englewood Baptist Church until the church investigated accusations of inappropriate activity over six days in late April and early May. The church dismissed Ransom at the investigation's conclusion and notified police. He was arrested June 27.

Ransom is next scheduled to appear in court Aug. 8.