A Western Kansas man whose girlfriend reportedly stayed in the bathroom for nearly two years pleaded not guilty to neglect charges this afternoon.

Kory McFarren appeared before a judge in Ness County Court.

McFarren pleaded not guilty to mistreatment of a dependent adult. The case gained worldwide headlines back
in March. Authorities say McFarren's girlfriend had sat
on the toilet for so long she was physically stuck to the toilet seat. McFarren said he tried to convince his girlfriend to come out, but she was overcome by fear.

McFarren will have a pretrial hearing on June 13th. If he's found guilty, McFarren faces up to a year in jail.