LOS ANGELES  - Officials say a Santa Monica middle school teacher accused of molesting five students was investigated two years ago but he wasn't charged due to lack of evidence.

Authorities say they finally charged Arthur Beltran after new allegations and more evidence came up.

The 60-year-old Beltran pleaded not guilty this week to 14 counts of sexual abuse. Prosecutors claim he molested five girls between December of 2004 and last month.

Police arrested Beltran Saturday after a 12-year-old girl from Lincoln Middle School in Santa Monica reported alleged abuse to her parents. The investigation led to four other girls.

Police say at least one of the alleged molestations was videotaped.

Beltran could face a life sentence if he's convicted.

(AP)