Ponca City High School teacher Michael Clinton Grimes, 59, has been on administrative leave since last fall, according to a statement released by Ponca City Public Schools.

Grimes was charged last Friday on three felony counts of child abuse after allegedly taking 257 inappropriate pictures of students, staff members and unknown women.

“On March 30, 2020, Ponca City Public Schools was made aware of the arrest of a teacher at Ponca City High School. As always, the safety of our students and staff is a top priority. The PCPS District works to ensure state law and board policies are followed, and if violations are found, they are quickly addressed,” the statement said.

Allegations were reported to school officials on Nov. 21, 2019, and these allegations were immediately reported to the Ponca City Police Department.

“The teacher was instantaneously placed on administrative leave and has been on administrative leave since this date. The district has fully cooperated with law enforcement on this matter,” said the statement. “Because this is an ongoing investigation and due to confidentiality rights, the district cannot make further comment.”

Grimes has been employed by Ponca City Public Schools since Aug. 1, 1989. He is scheduled to appear in Kay County District Court on June 5 at 9 a.m. for an initial appearance.