A teacher at an Abbotsford Catholic high school has been charged with sexual exploitation and luring after allegedly sending one of his female students a number of inappropriate text messages.

Martin Careen, 49, who teaches and coaches at St. John Brebeuf Regional Secondary School (SJB) has been on paid leave since the complaint was filed with police in mid-April.

Careen is facing one count of inviting a young person to sexual touching, and one count of communicating via computer to lure a child.

Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald said the case is troubling because it involves a person in a position of authority and trust, and victim who is still deemed a child.

"If you're in a position of authority, imagine the things you could hold over a student," he said.

The high school student alleges she was contacted repeatedly from the start of 2009 until the matter was reported, said MacDonald.

Doug Lauson, superintendent for the Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA), said

parents were informed, and Careen was put on paid leave as soon as the school became aware of the investigation.

Lauson said Careen will remain on paid leave until more about the case can be determined.

"When we learn more, we will make decisions based on facts, and we will let parents know what decisions are made.The primary concern is to protect the well-being and safety of the children."

Careen has been working with the CISVA since 1999 with no previous complaints, he said.

"He is a very well-liked teacher at the school, so this came as a shock."

Lauson said he expects the development of new guidelines for teachers and students communicating with cell phones or electronics.

"This is definitely something we'll look at seriously, to develop policies to look at this type of communication."

Careen is scheduled to appear in Abbotsford provincial court Aug. 6.

Investigators believe the case SJB is an isolated incident, but encourage anyone with information to contact

Det. Demers at 604-859-5225.