HRC Co-Founder Pleads Not Guilty to Abusing Teen Boy

A prominent gay rights activist who help found the Human Rights Campaign pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that accuse him of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy last year, KOIN 6 reports.

Terry Bean, 66, along with his ex-boyfriend Kiah Lawson, 25, were arrested in Eugene, Ore., last month and charged with two counts of third-degree sexual assault. Lawson pleaded not guilty to all charges in November.

"Terry absolutely did not have sex with a minor. As we've said before, the circumstances behind this are not what they appear to be," Bean's attorney, Kristen Winemiller, said in a statement. "Terry Bean is a principled and esteemed citizen of the state ... He's eager to share the truth with the public and with all of his supporters. He has been the victim of a series of crimes perpetrated by a group of men that include his so-called ex partner and now co-defendant Kiah Lawson.

"Out of respect for the court today we will not comment on the specifics, but we are eager for the opportunity to represent the facts to the court and we look forward to clearing Terry's name," the statement reads.

KION 6 points out that there have been restraining orders filed by both Bean and Lawn, suggesting, "a violent end to the pair's relationship, and both men's friends and family claim they have been made the victim."

Sources close to the investigation told KION 6 at the time of the arrests that violence occurred after Lawson's found a hidden camera in Bean's Portland home. Lawson then allegedly tried to extort Bean, the source said the news station.

Investigators are also looking into the possibility that more underage children have been abused. Bean's longtime neighbor Jeff Warila told officials that he's seen the activist bring young men to his home. Though he said he never saw them "under duress," Warila did say he was not surprised by the charges.

Bean is a prominent gay rights advocate and a major Democratic fundraiser. He help found the HRC as well as the Gay & Lesbian Victor Fund. He's also the CEO and president of Bean Investment Real Estate.

Despite the charges, Portland's LGBT community has been supportive of Bean since being arrested. Gay activist Bill Dickey took to Facebook last month and said his "instinct is to remain loyal" to Bean, KOIN 6 reports.

Bean posted bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 7.