Fort Hood OB-GYN facing nine charges including sexual assault

FORT HOOD, Texas (NBC, KYMA) - Maj. Blaine McGraw pleaded not guilty Wednesday as the Army obstetrician-gynecologist faced a military arraignment at Fort Hood.

McGraw appeared before Military Judge Col. Jorge Rivera, formally entering his not guilty plea as the case moves toward a general court martial.

Prosecutors say McGraw now faces nine charges and 273 specifications involving 93 alleged victims, including allegations of sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, indecent recording and assault.

Much of Wednesday's hearing focused on whether Judge Rivera had been exposed to information about the case before being assigned to it.

Rivera said he recalled seeing news coverage months ago, but did not remember specific details and tried to avoid learning more once he knew he could oversee the case.

McGraw remains in pretrial confinement, the defense and prosecution are expected to address trial procedures and scheduling in the coming weeks.

The allegations remain unproven, and McGraw is presumed innocent unless found guilty.