RALEIGH – The man accused in the death of state school board member Kathy Taft has pleaded not guilty.

Jason K. Williford entered the plea during a hearing Tuesday in a Wake County courtroom.

Williford is charged in the March 2010 rape and death of Taft at a home in Raleigh.

Defense attorneys on Monday asked Superior Court Judge Paul Gessner to throw out DNA evidence it believes was improperly gathered. Attorney Michael Driver says police should have obtained a search warrant before picking up the cigarette butt. Gessner rejected the defense request.

Williford’s trial is scheduled to begin on April 9. Gessner agreed to a delay after defense attorneys complained about not having enough time to go through DNA reports and other evidence.