AUSTIN, Texas — Investigators have brought charges against an Austin ISD employee who is accused of traveling overseas to have sex with minors.

Michael Roberts, 40, was arrested in Round Rock, Texas, and accused of traveling to the Republic of Colombia to illegally perform sexual acts with underage victims, according to the Department of Justice.

A letter from the Austin Independent School District on Thursday says that the Department of Homeland Security informed Austin ISD police of Roberts’ charges. The district said he is a current teacher at Sadler Means YWLA and Garcia YMLA and a former employee at Navarro ECHS. 

There have been no allegations of inappropriate behavior with minors at his place of employment, the district said. He passed the background check in July 2021 and began working for Austin ISD at the start of the 2021–22 school year, according to Austin ISD.

Austin ISD has placed Roberts on administrative leave, effective immediately. District police are working with Homeland Security on this ongoing investigation.

“The safety of all our students is our top priority. We know that many of our students and families will have questions and concerns. Extra counseling support will be available as needed, in addition to our campus counselors and staff,” wrote Austin ISD.

Roberts is facing three counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place. His prison time could be up to 30 years, if convicted.