PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- A Pierre man has entered not guilty pleas to child sexual assault charges in Hughes County.

Matthew Tople entered the pleas to Sexual Contact with a Child Under 16; Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Hiring for Sexual Activity and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

With his attorney David Siebrasse next to him, Tople also denied a Part II Information accusing him of being a habitual offender on previous drug charges.  Siebrasse requested a bond reduction from 75-thousand dollars to one-thousand dollars saying Tople has a place to live, transportation and access to work in construction.

Hughes County States Attorney Casey Deibert asked Sixth Circuit Judge Christina Klinger for no reduction in bond given the serious nature of the charges and that she has intentions to present a similar, separate case to a Hughes County grand jury.  Klinger, after reviewing previous court filings told Tople she has little faith in him abiding by bond conditions, but did change bond to cash or surety from cash only.

Court documents indicate the 12-year-old alleged victim told investigators Tople inappropriately touched her up to 12 times and offered money to her through text messages to continue the contact.  Tople’s due in court again in mid-May.