GREELEY, Colo. -- A former Ault high school teacher and UNC adjunct instructor has entered an Alford plea to a charge of unlawful sexual contact involving a teenager.

John Rogers Cochran, 42, is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old female student in 2006, while he was a teacher at Highland High School school.

An Alford plea allows a person to maintain their innocence but also admits there is enough evidence that they could be convicted.

A charge of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust was dropped as part of the plea bargain.

Cochran will have to register as a sex offender and will no be allowed contact with anyone younger than 18, including his own children.

He will be sentenced on Sept. 25.