(AP) — A former Sedgwick County deputy has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of sexually assaulting two jail inmates.

The  not guilty pleas were entered Friday on behalf of 23-year-old David Kendall, who’s charged with crimes ranging from aggravated sodomy to misdemeanor sexual battery.

Kendall’s lawyers contend the incident that led to the charges was staged by an inmate who had consensual sex with Kendall and claimed to have been raped. His lawyers say other alleged victims came forward with abuse stories in hopes of receiving a share of millions of dollars in compensation that might be at stake. The inmates have filed claims seeking more than $20 million.

The judge also Friday refused to lower Kendall’s $500,000 bond and set an Oct. 21 trial date.