Court Officer Rape Charge

Jose Martinez, right, a former Lawrence District Court officer, stands behind his attorney, Hank Brennan, during his arraignment hearing in Essex Superior Court Thursday, May 21, 2015, in Salem, Mass. Martinez is charged with four counts of rape, six counts of indecent assault and battery, and single counts of assault with intent to rape and misleading investigators. (Paul Bilodeau/The Eagle-Tribune via AP, Pool)

(Paul Bilodeau)

SALEM, Mass. (AP) -- A Lawrence District Court officer charged with raping a female detainee in the courthouse on three occasions has pleaded not guilty in Salem Superior Court.

Jose Martinez was charged with multiple counts of rape and indecent assault and battery for allegedly assaulting the woman in 2009 and twice last year. Prosecutors say one assault took place in a courthouse stairwell.

The case is being handled by the Suffolk district attorney's office to avoid a possible conflict of interest because the 47-year-old Martinez works in Essex County.

Prosecutors say they have DNA evidence.

Martinez's attorney, Hank Brennan, says DNA evidence does not indicate a crime occurred. He says his 16-year-veteran client is a family man and expects to make $50,000 bail.