EL CAJON, Calif. -- A young woman who was named the band director at Helix High School several months ago pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that she had sex with a 17-year-old male student.

Jessica Ashley Kahal, 22, resigned her position when the allegations came to light last week, said Deputy District Attorney Renee Palermo.

"It was disclosed by the defendant's female roommate to the school," Palermo said outside court.

Kahal is charged with two counts of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years younger, the prosecutor said.

The boy, a senior at Helix High, told investigators he had consensual sex with Kahal about five times starting in August in various areas of the county.

The defendant -- who worked as band director at Helix for two months of the fall semester -- is charged with having sex with the boy on Sept. 16 and Oct. 1, the prosecutor said.

Kahal surrendered to La Mesa police last week.

Palmero would not say whether the alleged victim was a member of the Helix band.

Judge Patricia Cookson set bail at $20,000 for Kahal, who is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 29 for a readiness conference. A Dec. 18 preliminary hearing date was also set.