A Carrollton High School math teacher has resigned after being arrested during an internet sex sting operation, authorities said.
Steve Martin, 42, was allegedly discovered visiting a website known for connecting adults with underage individuals, Tallapoosa police told Channel 2 Action News.
An investigator working in the Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit posed as an underage girl and allegedly exchanged messages with Martin, Channel 2 reported.
Police told the news station that Martin went to a picnic area expecting to meet up with the teenager Tuesday evening, but they confronted and arrested him.
Martin worked for Carrollton City Schools for about 14 years and was most recently chair of the math department at the high school, Channel 2 reported.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus told the news station that Martin’s arrest was not connected to any student at the school.
"When we heard about his arrest, we were shocked and found it hard to believe,” Albertus said. “Mr. Martin was regarded as one of our exceptional teachers, and students and faculty alike held him in high regard."
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