DECATUR -- A DeKalb County judge set bond Tuesday afternoon for the McNair Senior High School head football coach accused of engaging in improper relations with two students at the school.

Johnny Gilbert, 35, was expected to post a $20,000 property bond after the judge set bail during the court hearing in which the man's attorney vigorously proclaimed his innocence.

"He is an essential pillar of his community," lawyer Jim Barfield said. "He is not the type of person that would be a threat to flee or intimidate witnesses or commit any offenses."

Gilbert is facing several charges, including two counts of enticing a minor and two counts of sex with a child in their custody. He was taken to the DeKalb jail Monday afternoon.

More Resources VIDEO: Tom Regan reports Defrocked Mass. Priest Sentenced to Prison Sign up for e-mail breaking news alerts

The charges apparently stem from an incident between a male and female student, 14 and 15 years old, which allegedly occurred last month at night in the woods behind the school.

Gilbert was temporarily reassigned to an administrative office about a week and a half ago after the female student reported the alleged incident to a school administrator, school spokesman Spencer Ragsdale told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Gilbert has been an instructor at the school for six years. In addition to coaching football and track, he taught physical education and health.

Officials said there had been no previous complaints about Gilbert.

Barfield suggested after the court hearing that his client has been framed.

"It's either a case of misidentification or a case of just a made-up story," he said, adding that Gilbert was inside the building when the alleged incident occurred.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Tom Regan contributed to this report.