By JULIA ROBERTS GOAD

Staff Writer

PIKEVILLE, Ky. - A man accused of sexual misconduct with a minor has been released after turning himself over to authorities.

According to Commonwealth Attorney Rick Bartley, 24-year-old Andrew Hale, of Toler, is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a female less than 16-years-old.

He is facing four counts of third-degree rape, from June through December last year.

Bartley told the Daily News that Hale voluntarily appeared in circuit court where he pleaded not guilty and was arraigned by Judge Eddy Coleman. He was released on a $20,000 bond.

There were conditions of his release, Bartley explained. Judge Coleman told Hale he is to have no contact with the minor in question. If he is found to be in a location the girl is, or contacts her through third parties, social media, telephone or texting, his bond will be revoked and he will be incarcerated.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for June 29.