A former Rutgers student accused of using a webcam to spy on his roommate's same-sex encounter pleaded not guilty Monday to 15 charges including bias intimidation, invasion of privacy and evidence tampering.

It was the first court appearance for 19-year-old Dharun Ravi, the main suspect in the crimes allegedly committed against Tyler Clementi, a fellow Rutgers freshman who killed himself days after the alleged spying. His death sparked a nationwide conversation about bullying against young gays.

Ravi, of Plainsboro, was silent throughout the court appearance, which lasted less than 10 minutes. Clementi's parents and brother sat in the back of the courtroom for the brief hearing.

Ravi wore a dark suit and appeared to bite his lower lip as a chorus of cameras clicked his photo.

Lawyer Steven Altman entered a not guilty plea for Ravi and waived having the indictment against him read in court.

Authorities say the case began in early August, when Ravi learned who he'd be rooming with in his first year at Rutgers.