Paterson Teacher Denies Student Sex Allegations

A northern New Jersey high school teacher is denying allegations that he arranged to meet a male student at a fast-food restaurant and pay the youth $50 for sex.

Thomas Weir, who has homes Monticello, N.Y. and Paterson, pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted sexual assault, luring and child endangerment during a court hearing Wednesday.

He remains jailed on $500,000 bail.

Weir was arrested Saturday night at a fast-food restaurant in Paterson, where authorities say he had planned to meet the student.

Authorities say the 50-year-old teacher contacted the student through Facebook, but the boy instead contacted police.

Paterson school officials say Weir has worked in the district for 21 years.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.