A Goshen teacher and coach has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into inappropriate behavior and communications with a female student.

Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas said a parent contacted him this week about “some inappropriate behavior and texts between a Goshen High School teacher and assistant football coach and a student. As we began to investigate, it appears there was also a second victim involved.”

The sheriff “multiple texting incidents” were discovered and investigators notified Pike County School Board officials. “Superintendent Mark Bazzell took immediate action and he was very quick to respond,” Thomas said. “We have continued our investigation and are continuing to interview other students and faculty members.”

Neither Thomas nor Bazzell would identify the teacher involved.

“I can only confirm that I have an employee on administrative leave since early this week,” Bazzell said. “There are no charges yet. The investigation is active and ongoing and it is sensitive in nature.”

Bazzell said he expects charges will be filed in the case.

Thomas said the suspect is a 29-year-old white male who was a second-year teacher at Goshen High School.

He previously taught in the Crenshaw County school district. “We are working with the Pike County District Attorney’s Office, the Child Advocacy Center, the Department of Human Resources and the Crenshaw County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation,” Thomas said. “We want to have a complete and thorough investigation before moving forward.”