A teacher and volleyball coach has pleaded not guilty to most of the sexual violence charges he is facing.

Markus Hicks, 32, was arrested last September and charged with a single count of sexual assault against one young man.

Since then an additional 23 complainants have come forward, leading to 150 charges in total against Hicks.

Police say the investigation, which began last summer, has unearthed “tens of thousands of images and videos dating back 15 years.”

It’s alleged Hicks used 27 fake social media accounts to communicate with teenagers and young adults, including men and women, concealing his true identity during follow-up sexual encounters.

The accounts range from SnapChat, Facebook, MSN, BeReal, FetLife, Tinder, Grindr, and Skype.

Hicks appeared in provincial court Thursday morning by video from the correctional centre in Bishop’s Falls.

Asked to confirm how he wanted to be tried — before provincial court judge — he replied: “Yes please, your honour.”

The focus then shifted to the Crown, defence and judge to work out dates and the process to sort out the raft of files in the complicated case.

Dates have been set for later this spring and in the fall to deal with pre-trial applications and arguments.

Dates were also set for two trials — in December and January of 2025.