Former Norwich patrolman Kenneth Nieves, charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl while on duty, made his first appearance this morning in the New London courtroom where major crimes are heard.

Nieves, who posted a $50,000 bond following his arrest last month, asked for more time to hire an attorney. Judge Patrick J. Clifford granted the request and continued the case to Feb. 6 after reminding Nieves he is under court order to have no contact with the alleged victim.

Nieves, 45, who joined the police department in 2002, resigned in September 2011 after he was placed on administrative leave while police investigated allegations that he was having sex with girls and women while on duty. He was arrested in December after a woman came forward with specific information about the charges.

According to state police, Nieves began a four-year sexual relationship with a 14-year-old in 2003-2004. The alleged victim, now 22, told state police he would come to her workplace while on duty and in uniform and have sex with her before driving her home in his cruiser.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Theresa Anne Ferryman, who signed the arrest warrant charging Nieves with three counts of second-degree sexual assault and three counts of risk of injury to a minor, will prosecute the case.