A Suttons Bay man pleaded not guilty to a charge of first degree criminal sexual conduct during his arraignment yesterday.

Christopher J. Bayduk, 33, of 10836 E. Fort Rd., Suttons Bay, is in jail after answering the charge before 86th District Court Magistrate Norene Kastys. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday, May 9, at 8:15 a.m.

According to court documents, Bayduk sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl in Suttons Bay Township repeatedly over the last 16 months.

If found guilty of the felony charge, Bayduk faces a maximum penalty of mandatory life in prison.