Associated Press - July 15, 2009 6:04 PM ET

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - A Dec. 8 trial date has been set for a former Coconino High School teacher accused of having sex with 2 of his female students.

John Pertuit was indicted in early March on six counts of sexual conduct with a minor.

His attorney says a plea deal is being negotiated in the case.

The 36-year-old Pertuit was arrested Feb. 23 at Coconino High and later put on paid administrative leave from his job as an electronics teacher.

The two students were 15 and 16 at the time of the allegations and also attended a karate school owned by Pertuit that rented property at the school.

Police reports say the alleged sexual conduct involving Pertuit and the girls appears to have been consensual and did not occur on school grounds.

Information from: Arizona Daily Sun, http://www.azdailysun.com/

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