Deep Patel, a Penn State student accused of statutory sexual assault, waived his rights to a preliminary hearing, pleading not guilty at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte yesterday.

Patel, 21, is charged with statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault and corruption of minors.

The following occurred on the afternoon of Oct. 9, according to police reports:

Patel approached and asked directions from two 14-year-old girls who were skipping school. He left and soon returned, asking the girls how old they were; they responded they were 16 and 14 years old.

Patel then offered each of the girls $20 to flash him. The girls agreed and Patel left.

He soon returned and offered each girl $100 to sit on his lap. The girls agreed, and the girl who claimed to be 14 years old climbed into the car to sit on his lap. Patel fondled the girl, and then asked if they could have anal sex, to which the victim agreed.

Patel then paid $100 to the girl with whom he had contact, and drove away.

The victim told her mother about the incident shortly after, and they returned to area looking for Patel's car.

A black Toyota Celica resembling the car the victim described was seen parked at Briarwood Apartments, 679-A Waupelani Drive, with a Delaware license plate. The victim copied down the license number and provided it to police.

Police interviewed the other 14-year-old who provided the same information, then went to interview Patel at his apartment.

Patel initially denied any wrongdoing, but later admitted he was involved and had engaged in anal penetration with the victim. During a separate, taped confession however, Patel denied the alleged anal sex.

Patel was released on an unsecured bail amount of $25,000. Jury selection for his trial begins Feb. 9.