STURBRIDGE (CBS) – A Massachusetts State Trooper has pleaded not guilty to charges of indecent assault and battery and open and gross lewdness.

Trooper Jason Willard appeared in court on Friday. During the appearance, Willard’s attorney suggested that a bitter divorce may be to blame for the allegations.

Prosecutors say Willard’s estranged wife wrote in recent divorce filings that her niece, who was 18 years old and living with the couple at the time, told her of several incidents where Willard exposed himself, propositioned her, grabbed her, and insisted she owed him sexual favors for letting her stay with them.

Willard, who was stationed at the Sturbridge Barracks, and has been with the State Police since 2002, has been relieved of duty.

He turned over his service weapon, cruiser, badge, and MSP identification.