AUBURN – A man and a woman charged with separate misdemeanors in connection with a highway crash in Poland that killed six people early on Christmas Eve have pleaded not guilty.

Ryan Brissette, 28, of Poland and Samantha Renee Montana, 19, of Lewiston were arraigned Thursday in Androscoggin County Superior Court.

Brissette, who was charged with allowing minors to consume alcohol at his home on the night of Dec. 23, was released on $1,000 unsecured bond; Montana, accused of permitting unlawful use of a vehicle, remained free on personal recognizance.

Investigators said Montana gave the keys to her Nissan Altima to Michael Cournoyer, 20, of Auburn shortly before he drove away and struck an oncoming car on Route 122. The crash killed Cournoyer, his three passengers and the two occupants of the other vehicle.

Officials said Cournoyer was legally drunk and was driving with a suspended license.

If found guilty, Brissette could face up to a year in jail. The charge against Montana is punishable by up to six months.

The two were indicted after a lengthy investigation.