FORT BRAGG, N.C. — A U.S. Army general has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault charges that could send him to prison for life.

The Fayetteville Observer reported Monday (http://bit.ly/16EUdA7) Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Sinclair told a military judge at Fort Bragg he is not guilty of charges that include forcible sodomy, indecent acts, violating orders and adultery.

Jury selection is set to begin for Sinclair's court martial on Tuesday with the trial scheduled to begin Sept. 30. In the military justice system juries must consist of officers with superior rank to the accused. In Sinclair's case that will requires a panel of generals with two or more stars.

Sinclair is a 27-year Army veteran who commanded troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is accused of twice forcing a female officer to perform oral sex.