Missouri boarding school doctor says not guilty to 3 charges

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) – A doctor facing 11 child sex abuse counts involving students at a Missouri boarding school pleaded not guilty to three of the charges.

Dr. David Smock entered the plea Thursday to three charges filed in Greene County. Smock is the longtime physician for Agape Boarding School, a Christian school based in Stockton.

Besides the three charges in Greene County, the Missouri Attorney General’s office has filed eight felony charges against Smock in Cedar County.

Smock’s attorneys argued Thursday that he should be released from custody while awaiting trial. Greene County Circuit Judge Ron Carrier took the request under advisement.