SANTEE, Calif. -- A teacher from the East County is under investigation for allegedly having sex with a student.

The Sheriff's Department said the English teacher works at West Hill High School in Santee.

He was placed on paid administrative leave earlier this week, according to the Grossmont Union High School District.

In a statement, the district said: "It takes allegations of employee misconduct very seriously, and has taken appropriate action to support and protect our students and our school community."

In addition, the district added, "The normal procedure is to remove the employee from the situation and conduct a full investigation in cooperation with law enforcement, where appropriate."

The student was identified as female and is 17 years old.