Officers with the Marshalltown Police Department, Wednesday, arrested a teacher alleged inappropriate contact with a student. KCCI reports Police said they were previously investigating allegations of exploitation of a 17-year-old by 26-year-old Mark Edward Farris Esquivel. The man was taken into custody for sexual exploitation by a school employee. Esquivel was being held at the Marshall County Jail while awaiting his first appearance in court.

Marshalltown Police Chief Michael Tupper says Esquivel allegedly engaged in a pattern of conduct by communicating with a minor for the purpose of soliciting sexual contact. It is also alleged Esquivel committed the acts while employed as a teacher and coach, and that he knew the minor was under the age of 18.

The Marshalltown Community School District released a statement that said “The Marshalltown Community School District is aware of the arrest of a staff member announced today by the Marshalltown Police Department. The staff member, a P.E. teacher at Marshalltown High School, has submitted their resignation. Student safety is the number one priority for the Marshalltown CSD, and any accusation of a crime which may impact student safety is taken very seriously. This is an active investigation, and any questions should be directed toward the Marshalltown Police Department.”