LEWISTON – Eighteen-year-old Kyle Karkos denied Monday that he recklessly, or with criminal negligence, caused the death of Kenny Jellison Jr.

Jellison was the passenger in the car Karkos was driving when it crashed in April. Jellison died at the scene.

Karkos was charged with manslaughter, reckless conduct and driving to endanger. The three counts are felonies.

If convicted, the Auburn man would serve a sentence at a juvenile facility only up to his 21st birthday, because he was charged as a juvenile. He was 17 years old at the time of the accident on Canal Street near Lisbon Street.

He was in 8th District Court for about five minutes Monday, his first court appearance since being charged. He was dressed casually, standing at the front of the courtroom, accompanied by his attorney, Leonard Sharon.

Karkos denied all of the charges, the juvenile court’s equivalent of a “not guilty” plea, during his arraignment.

Judge Paul Cote Jr. released Karkos into the custody of his parents, who attended the arraignment. On the other side of the courtroom, Jellison’s parents sat with friends, weeping quietly. Both parents wore buttons pinned to their chests with a laminated portrait of Kenny. Across it was written: “Class of 2006.” Jellison died shortly before his graduation from Edward Little High School in Auburn.

Cote imposed several conditions on Karkos’ release. He isn’t allowed any contact with Jellison’s family, including his younger brother, Travis, nor with Benjamin Lagasse. Travis Jellison had been a passenger in Lagasse’s car. The two cars had been cruising together that night. Police reported the two cars were racing. Travis Jellison and Lagasse say their car wasn’t.

Karkos also is barred from having contact with Penny Dion, a witness, who was driving a vehicle that Karkos passed on Canal Street shortly before he crashed.

He must also:

live with his parents and live by their rules.

keep his job or, if not, get one and keep it.

refrain from use of alcohol or illicit drugs.

allow himself to be searched or tested for possession or use of alcohol or drugs.

not drive a motor vehicle unless he is duly licensed.

If Karkos doesn’t abide by the restrictions he could be arrested or detained. Other conditions of his release could be imposed if he violates the conditions, according to court papers.

Sharon said Karkos will defend himself against the charges. “It’s our contention it’s not manslaughter; it was an accident,” Sharon said. “It’s a horrible situation. He feels really bad.”

Lawyers on both sides expect a two- to three-day trial. Juvenile court doesn’t allow for juries.

Sharon said he expects a trial sometime before next summer. Karkos’ next court appearance is scheduled for March 5.