A teacher and coach from Tarkio, Mo., has been placed on leave after he was arrested by the Atchison County Sheriff’s Department on a trio of criminal charges Sunday.

Lee Rucker was charged with first-degree child molestation and sexual misconduct involving a child less than 14 years of age — both felonies — and a misdemeanor charge of furnishing pornographic material to a minor. He was charged Sunday in Atchison County Associate Circuit Court and placed on a $250,000 cash bond.

Mr. Rucker teaches physical education in the Tarkio R-1 School District, serves as athletic director and coaches girls and boys basketball at the middle school and high school levels. He has been employed with the district for two years, according to Superintendant Linda Blum.

Ms. Blum was informed of the arrest Sunday and received a copy of the charges Monday.

“The charges were very disturbing,” Ms. Blum said. “The district will conduct its own investigation, without interfering, of course.”

She said Mr. Rucker will remain on leave until the case has been resolved. Until that time, Mr. Rucker will not have access to students or district property.

Mr. Rucker has no prior criminal record.