Marty Decole "Cole" Wagner, Alabama State Department of Education government relations employee and former aide to Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, has pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing a child under 12.

Wagner was indicted by a Montgomery County Grand Jury on June 30. He was booked into Montgomery County Jail on July 19 and released on a $60,000 bond the following day.

According to the arrest warrant, Wagner is accused of subjecting a person under 12, identified only by their initials, to sexual contact. If convicted of the Class B felony, Wagner could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

On Wednesday, Wagner's attorney filed a plea of not guilty with the Montgomery County Circuit Court.

After leaving the state house as a senate liaison under Ainsworth, Wagner began working in government relations in February. Before working for Ainsworth, Wagner worked at Cygnal polling and as the executive director of Alliance for a Pro-Life Alabama.

According to Wagner's LinkedIn, he worked in Ainsworth's office for over three years.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.

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