MEDFORD, N.Y. (AP) — Police have arrested a Long Island middle school teacher on charges he had an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old former student.

Thomas Barton was arrested Friday at his home in Medford on charges including rape and endangering the welfare of a child.

Newsday reports that the 54-year-old Barton is a physical education teacher who has worked at the Brentwood school district for about 30 years.

Brentwood schools superintendent Richard Loeschner said Barton has been reassigned and is prohibited from entering school grounds.

Barton was awaiting arraignment Saturday. Information on his attorney was not immediately available.

The age of consent in New York is 17.

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Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com

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