WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) — A West Jordan High School teacher was arrested on Thursday, March 2, after being accused of having a sexual relationship with a student.

According to the West Jordan Police Department, detectives obtained information that Matthew Jason Rueckert, a teacher at West Jordan High School, has developed sexual relations with a 16-year-old female student.

Police say Rueckert has been booked into the Salt Lake Couty Jail without bail on 16 felony sex offense charges and one second-degree obstruction of justice charge.

According to the affidavit, after Rueckert was placed on administrative leave, he called the student and instructed her to delete all forms of communication they previously had, to which she allegedly complied.

Police say Rueckert holds “a position of special trust as an educator of the juvenile,” and the victim cannot consent to any sexual activity.

Investigators will continue to work with the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office on this case.

Authorities encourage additional victims to contact West Jordan Police Department at 801-840-4000.

“This case illustrates the importance of parents maintaining effective lines of communication with their children regarding the various aspects of their lives,” said Sgt. Kendall Holt with the West Jordan Police Department.

Representatives of the Jordan School District released the following statement:

Jordan School District takes all reports of employee misconduct very seriously. We do not tolerate any kind of misconduct or behavior endangering the safety of students.

Allegations regarding the actions of a former West Jordan High School teacher were immediately investigated by the school and West Jordan Police. Swift, appropriate action was taken. We are cooperating fully with police.

Matthew Rueckert is no longer employed by Jordan School District.

The safety and wellbeing of students is our top priority.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Rape & Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1-888-421-1100.