MONTGOMERY (AP) — A former state legislator and high school principal is scheduled to go on trial this week on charges that he sexually abused a 17-year-old student.

Former state Rep. James Thomas is accused on a felony charge of sexual abuse and of a misdemeanor charge of having sexual relations with a student.

The student attended Wilcox-Central High School, where the 69-year-old Thomas was principal. He was placed on administrative leave after the charges were filed.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday at the Wilcox County Courthouse in Camden. District Attorney Michael Jackson says testimony would likely begin Wednesday.

Thomas was charged in November 2010 with sexual abuse of the female student. He is free on a $45,000 bond.

Thomas served 28 years in the Legislature.