LA MESA, Calif. -- A 44-year-old Helix High School geography teacher and girls' soccer coach was in custody Monday on suspicion of having sex with a student, police said.

Garry Wilcox of Spring Valley was arrested Sunday night at his home in the 2500 block of Fresh Water Court, said Lt. Dave Bond of the La Mesa Police Department.

Wilcox allegedly had sex at least once with a female student in a hotel room when she was 16 or 17, Bond said. The student, whose identity was not disclosed, is now 18, said Bond.

Wilcox has taught at Helix High School since September 1995.

Helix High School issued a statement Monday that read, "The staff and students were shocked to learn of these charges and Mr. Wilcox's arrest. Every Helix adult employee fully understands and is aware of what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior with students. We are dismayed by these charges of misconduct and if found to be true, condemn them in the strongest possible terms."

Wilcox was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case.

Wilcox has been booked into county jail on suspicion of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, contact with a minor with intent to commit sexual offense and entering a building with the intent to commit a felony.