LAKESIDE, Calif. -- A Lakeside mother said her daughter's teacher took inappropriate photos of girls' body parts, 10News reported.

The mother, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed the photos were taken on the campus of Tierra del Sol Middle School. While an investigation by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department is under way, but the mother said she is coming forward to warn other parents.

"She's actually witnessed him (teacher) taking pictures of her friend's (backside)," said the mother.

The woman claimed her 12-year-old daughter is one of several girls inappropriately touched or photographed by a teacher at the school.

"He walks behind her, grabs her head and puts it between his knees," said the mother.

The woman told 10News the latest incident happened after school last week. Her daughter and a classmate were hanging out in the teacher's classroom when she said the teacher grabbed her daughter's friend and snapped a photo of her chest.

"My daughter said she saw the screen when he took the picture and it was from her nose down … just straight down her blouse," said the woman.

The teacher has since been placed on administrative leave, and the sheriff's department confirmed with 10News they have received complaints from multiple parents and are now looking into the allegations.

"They trust him like a grandpa figure and he did this to them, so I don't think they are quite sure what to take of it or how to feel about it," the mother said.

Some students and parents were stunned to learn about the allegations.

Former student Chrisha Hernandez said, "It just doesn't make sense. Who would say something like that about someone that's so great of a teacher?"

One parent told 10News, "He's a wonderful teacher. All the kids really love him."

Because charges have not yet been filed, the teacher's name is not being revealed.

Tierra del Sol Middle School Principal Christopher McDuffie issued the following statement:

"Thank you for your concern. There is a pending investigation by the Santee Sheriff's Department. Unfortunately, at this time we cannot make any further comments, as it is a personnel matter. But please be assured we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that allegations are thoroughly investigated."

The teacher has been on leave since Tuesday, but parents were not notified by the school.