Man accused in a sexual exploitation case pleads not guilty

PHOENIX (AP) - A 20-year-old man accused of trying to lure Phoenix-area girls for sexual exploitation has pleaded not guilty to dozens of felony counts.

Jarre Edward Bjelic faces charges of sexual conduct with a minor, theft by extortion, computer tampering, computer fraud, luring a minor for sexual exploitation and fraudulent schemes.

He entered his pleas Monday in Maricopa County Superior Court.

According to Tempe police, Bjelic allegedly used social media websites to meet girls and claimed to have a modeling agency where he requested they work for him.

Police said Bjelic allegedly persuaded the victims to send him nude photos of themselves, believing they were being looked at as potential models.

When victims sent Bjelic photos, he allegedly would threaten to use those photos against them if they didn't send more pictures.