A northwest Missouri school teacher has been accused of rape and sexual conduct with a student.

31-year-old Christopher Hensley of Albany was was arrested and charged Saturday in Gentry County with four second-degree felonies of statutory rape and four felonies of sexual contact with a student.

The incidents allegedly took place in May and July.

Hensley had been the Alabany R-III High School band director.  The school said he was immediately place on leave by the district following his arrest.

“The school district was made aware of the situation, took immediate action to ensure the safety of students, and is working closely with the Sheriff’s Department,” said Superintendent Erin Olingschlaeger in a news release.  “Mr. Hensley will not return to work nor be present on school district property while the matter is being investigated.”

The district said arrangements are being made to continue the band program in his absence and plans to increase administrator supervision over the band program to ensure a smooth transition to new staff and provide support to students.  School will resume on Thursday for the new school year as planned and all back-t0-school events will be held as scheduled.

Hensley is slated for an arraignment on August 19.

He is currently being held on $50,000 bond cash or surety in the Harrison County Jail.