CONCORD, NH — A high school teacher accused of attempting to sexually traffic a minor was scheduled to appear in federal court Monday afternoon.

Stacey Ray Lancaster was one of five men the U.S. Attorney’s office said were arrested separately a puncture operation conducted by US Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from state and local law enforcement.

All five defendants — Lancaster, 46, of Hudson, NH; Arthur Picanco, 42, of Bradford, Mass.; Ozeias Luiz Guilherme, 38, of Haverhill, Mass.; Sharath Chandra Bollu, 23, of Chelmsford, Mass.; and Koteshwara Raju Jonnagodda, 24, of Chelmsford, Mass. — are accused of responding late last week to an ad police posted online claiming to offer two girls, a 14-year-old and a 12-year-old , for sex, according to court records.

Lancaster allegedly chose the younger of the two and agreed to pay $100 for a 15-minute “quick visit” at a hotel in Manchester, NH, according to the records. court records.

Lancaster, who was arrested Thursday, has been placed on administrative leave from his teaching job at West Manchester High School, where he oversaw the school’s junior reserve officer training program and served as a liaison between the school district and the USA. Navy, according to the Manchester School District.

Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel called the allegations “serious and disturbing” and said the district is working closely with law enforcement.

“At this time we have no information linking this arrest to a student in our district,” Chmiel said in a message Saturday evening after authorities announced Lancaster’s arrest.

“The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and in addition to supporting the law enforcement investigation, we are focused on making sure our students have the support they need,” added Chmiel.

A spokesperson for the New Hampshire Department of Education said Monday that the department is aware of the situation and is working with its partners to respond appropriately and ensure that educators are acting appropriately in regards to child safety.

The attorney assigned to Lancaster’s case, Jaye L. Rancourt of the Federal Public Defender’s Office, said his client maintains his innocence.

A local Navy JROTC representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Before his arrest, Lancaster repeatedly asked undercover agents for assurances that he was not with the police, according to an affidavit submitted to criminal complaint against him.

“Are you affiliated with any law enforcement?” he would have asked via text message.

“No!!! And I don’t need trouble. ru with the police?? if you are you need to tell me!” an agent answered.

Lancaster said he was not affiliated with police, then completed the details of the transaction, according to the affidavit.

“I’ll be there at 3:15,” he reportedly wrote. “What is the location.”

A short time later, Lancaster allegedly arrived at the hotel, where he expressed nervousness and asked an undercover agent to make physical contact with him of a sexual nature to prove they were not affiliated with law enforcement, according to the affidavit at your own risk. He then confirmed he was ready to go ahead with the planned meeting with the 12-year-old and was arrested.

Court records say Lancaster arranged to meet at the hotel at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, about 20 minutes after the school day concluded. School district officials did not immediately confirm Monday whether Lancaster was present at the high school Thursday.

U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young said Saturday that Lancaster, Picanco and Guilherme were arrested separately as part of the operation. Young he announced On Monday Bollu and Jonnagodda, who face charges together, were also arrested.

Jeffrey S. Levin, the defense attorney assigned to represent Bollu, declined to comment. Defense attorneys for Picanco, Guilherme and Jonnagodda did not immediately respond.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Steven Porter can be reached at [email protected]. Follow L @reporterporter. Amanda Gokee can be reached at [email protected]. Follow a @amanda_gokee.