UTICA, N.Y. -- A Utica firefighter is pleading not guilty to charges stemming from a recent sexual harassment claim.

Richard Forte was arraigned in Utica City Court on Thursday.

He is facing misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief, third-degree criminal tampering and making a punishable false written statement.

The investigation began when a female firefighter reported finding bodily fluid in an extra pair of her pants when she returned from a call.

Forte was previously ordered to provide a DNA sample for comparison.

According to court papers, Forte told investigators he never went into the victim's private dorm the night of the incident, and had no knowledge of what happened.

He voluntarily turned himself in, with an attorney present.

Following arraignment, Forte was released.

He's due back in court on May 21.