A teacher from an elementary school on Long Island has been taken into custody, facing charges related to sexually explicit interactions with a minor.

The Suffolk County police announced that 37-year-old Mark Verity was arrested on Friday morning at a relative’s residence. This arrest followed Verity’s attempt to solicit inappropriate images from a minor, according to Patch.com.

The investigation commenced after Riverhead Town police informed county authorities about Verity’s inappropriate exchanges with a member of the Predator Poachers group, who was pretending to be a 13-year-old girl. Police stated these exchanges involved Verity requesting explicit photos.

Verity now faces charges of attempted dissemination of indecent material to a minor and two counts of attempted use of a child under 17 in a sexual performance.

Predator Poachers said in an  Instagram post  that Verity “reached out to our 13-year-old decoy account asking for explicit images of her multiple times, discussed scenarios of them meeting up,” and described other lewd acts.

Authorities confirmed that Verity is employed by the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District, which is reportedly cooperating with the investigation. Superintendent Gerard Pool released a statement saying, “The individual has been removed from the classroom and will not be permitted on school grounds pending the outcome of the investigation.”

“While I understand that this news may leave you with questions, our legal counsel has advised us that we are unable to provide any further comment at this time,” he told parents in the message. I will provide any new developments as appropriate. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”

In another message, he said that the district had no “prior reports or complaints” about Verity. Police said they have no evidence that any students were involved.

The district is making counselors available for students.