A Hineston man working as a high school teacher in Leesville was arrested after allegedly admitting to having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old female student.

Deputies indicated that Leesville High School administrators learned on Tuesday that John Caleb Howe, 23, had an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old girl who attends the school. When the administrators spoke with Howe, he admitted to the relationship.

Administrators then contacted law enforcement, who took Howe to the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office. There, Howe reportedly admitted to the inappropriate relationship to detectives.

Howe was arrested on two counts of Prohibited Sexual Contact Between an Educator and a Student. He was released on a $150,000 bond.

Vernon Parish Superintendent James Williams made the following statement:

The LHS Administration was notified that there may be an inappropriate relationship happening between a faculty member and a student. Administration immediately conducted an internal investigation and turned the findings over to law enforcement officials. We were made aware that an arrest had been made. We cannot comment any further because of the legal issues involved. We will always continue to put the safety of our children first.

All persons are innocent until proven guilty.