Lynn Charles Lee Pleads Not Guilty to Charges of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

A convicted sex offender emphatically asserted his innocence of new charges that he sexually abused a minor last year..

"Absolutely not guilty," Lynn Charles Lee told Judge Catherine Wilking during his arraignment in Natrona County District Court on Friday.

Lee, who was 55 at the time of his arrest, is charged with three counts of first degree sexual assault and three counts of second degree sexual abuse of a minor.

The victim -- now living in another city -- claimed he had been raped at Lee's home and then threatened him to keep silent, according to the affidavit filed with Natrona County Circuit Court in October. "'If you tell your mom you will find her dead in the living room.'"

The victim said Lee ordered him to visit again for more sexual acts, under the threat of blackmail, according to the affidavit.

Lee had been on parole at the time after serving 12 years in prison because he had been convicted of third degree sexual assault back in 2000. His parole was revoked in in July 2013 and was sent back to prison for another six months, according to the affidavit.

Casper Police began investigating the case in July after the victim came forward to a counselor in another city. The victim told the counselor he had not come forward earlier because he believed Lee could make good on his threats, according to the affidavit.

During an interview with police, Lee said he knew the boy, but denied having any sexual contact with him.

Lee is being held on $150,000 bond awaiting trial.

If convicted, he could face 25 years to life imprisonment on each of the first degree sexual assault charges. He also could face up to 20 years on each of the second degree sexual abuse of a minor charges. The penalties are enhanced because Lynn is a convicted sex offender.

However, because of the previous conviction, Wilking said prosecutors could seek a penalty of life imprisonment.