Steve Nunn, a former gubernatorial candidate and state employee, pleaded not guilty to charges of fourth-degree assault and third-degree criminal mischief.

Nunn was arraigned on the charges, which stem from a Feb. 17 incident involving his former live-in girlfriend, at an arraignment Wednesday in Fayette District Court. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for March 23.

Amanda Ross, 29, accused the 56-year-old Nunn of striking her four times in the face and throwing her against a lamp. Nunn, the son of former Kentucky Gov. Louie B. Nunn, stepped down as deputy secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services last week.