CANFIELD, Ohio - The Mahoning County Sheriff's Department is investigating an accusation made about a part-time coach who is being kept away from students, according to a statement issued by the Canfield Local School District.

School officials are not revealing the nature of the allegation, the name of the coach, or what school he or she is associated with.  However, the district says the coach is employed on a part-time, limited contract and is not a full-time Canfield employee.

A source tells 21 News that the man in question is one of the school's cross country coaches who had dated a student when he was still going to the high school but continued to have a relationship with her after he graduated in 2015.   

The student no longer attends the high school.

Ohio law prohibits teachers, aides or other school employees from having relationships with students, even if the student has turned 18.

The school statement says that officials became aware of the accusation last Wednesday.

“We are fully cooperating with local authorities and will assist in the investigation if called upon. I assure you that the Canfield Local School District administration acted quickly and decisively to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. That is, and will always be our primary concern,” says Superintendent Alex Geordan.

The coach has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.