Hoquiam pastor Adair Krack pleaded not guilty to two counts of child molestation at his arraignment on Monday afternoon. A tentative trial date of Dec. 31 was set.

Krack, 67, appeared in court represented by Curtis Janhunen and accompanied by his wife and two unidentified men.

Investigators from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon provided information last month to local law enforcement regarding a possible child molestation case at a residence in Elma.

Investigators here learned that a 12-year-old girl from Oregon reported being inappropriately touched by Krack while at his West Lillie Road home this past summer. The girl and her two younger sisters, ages 7 and 9, had attended a week-long Vacation Bible School at the church and had stayed with Krack at his home. A 20-year-old daughter was also contacted in reference to the investigation and made allegations that she, too, was molested by the pastor.

Krack was arrested on Sept. 14 on suspicion of first-degree child molestation and second-degree child molestation. He was booked into Grays Harbor County Jail and was released the same day after posting bond. Krack is the pastor at the First Baptist Church of Hoquiam.

Aberdeen High teacher appears

Aberdeen teacher Jeffrey Gross, who was arrested at his Elma home for possession and distribution of child pornography, also appeared in court on Monday afternoon. A new trial date was set for Jan. 18, with other matters set for December dates.