GRAHAM, Wash. -- A 27-year-old teacher at Graham Kapowsin High School has been arrested, accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old female student.

The male teacher was arrested Friday and has since been freed on bail awaiting his first court appearance.

Det. Ed Troyer of the Pierce County Sheriff's Office said the alleged relationship began when the girl was a 15-year-old sophomore.

Bethel School District issued a news release about the case, saying the teacher was escorted from the high school campus by a Pierce County deputy and was placed on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

Until this investigation, there were no previous complaints or disciplinary actions taken against the teacher, the district said.