Suffolk aide pleads not guilty in sex assault

A teacher's assistant at Nansemond Parkway Elementary pleaded not guilty in Circuit Court on Thursday to sexually assaulting a 7-year-old boy at the school.

Paul Andrew Bess, 59, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a child. Bess, whose address is listed as the 100 block of N. Main St., was placed on administrative leave, said Suffolk schools spokeswoman Bethanne Bradshaw. Bess was hired in August 2006, and Bradshaw said his evaluations have been "exemplary."

Bess, who is being held without bond at Western Tidewater Regional Jail since his arrest Oct. 1, will have a bond hearing Nov. 2.

At his arraignment Thursday, he asked for a jury trial, which has been set for Feb. 8.