A physician whose father is the leader of Bermuda pleaded not guilty Thursday to sexually abusing patients.

Prosecutors have charged Dr. Kevin Brown with 23 felony counts and allege that he molested eight patients, including an undercover police officer and a 15-year-old.

Brown, 37, remained jailed on $4 million bail.

His father, Ewart Brown, was not present, but the defendant's wife was joined by a group of friends and relatives.

Deputy District Attorney Ann Marie Wise said Thursday that prosecutors were investigating claims by eight more people who may have been abused. She said it was not clear if any charges would be filed in those cases.

If convicted of all counts, Brown could face a possible sentence of nearly 27 years in prison.

He spoke only once during the hearing, telling a judge he would waive his right to a speedy preliminary hearing. His next scheduled court appearance is Sept. 4.

State officials want to prohibit Brown from practicing medicine if he is released. A judge will consider that request in September.

Brown's arrest last month gained widespread attention because of his father's position and his own connection with some of Hollywood's elite.

In May, Kevin Brown hosted a celebrity poker tournament at the Playboy Mansion, an event that raised money for his charity, the Urban Health Institute.

Through his charity, Brown has provided medical aid at the Houston Astrodome to New Orleans residents who fled Hurricane Katrina and traveled to the island of Ko Phi Phi in Thailand to help after the 2004 tsunami.