HAMPTON (AP) - A high school teaching assistant, who officials say had sex with a 14-year-old student, is charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation by a school employee.

Tyler Radcliffe, 21, of Hampton, is on paid administrative leave from Hampton-Dumont High School, where he was also an assistant softball coach, according to the school's Web site.

Authorities filed charges Jan. 2. Radcliffe made his first court appearance Monday.

Superintendent Todd Lettow declined comment on the allegations.

Police records indicate Radcliffe had a sexual relationship with the student from June through October.

"Thousands of text messages between them … indicated this relationship was ongoing for several months and shows an ongoing pattern of conduct" that led to sexual relations, according to court records.

If convicted, Radcliffe could face up to 15 years in prison.