Albert Lea Police arrested an Albert Lea School District teacher Tuesday morning on charges of soliciting a minor and communicating sexually explicit material to children as part of an ongoing investigation.

The man, Gerardo Noe Guerrero, 31, of Austin, is a teacher at Southwest Middle School. According to the Albert Lea Area Schools website, he is listed as a physical education teacher.

Police said Guerrero was arrested at Brookside Education Center.

According to a press release, the Police Department said it is dedicated to the safety and protection of the community, especially its youngest members, and takes incidents of this nature very seriously.

The department encourages anyone with relevant information regarding this case to come forward and contact the department by calling the crime tip line at 507-377-5261.

A statement from Albert Lea Area Schools said the district also takes all allegations it receives seriously.

“After an initial investigation, a licensed staff member is on paid administrative leave and is not allowed on school district property,” the district said. “The safety of our students and staff remains a top priority for Albert Lea area schools.”