A 27-year-old Nappanee teacher was arrested on Monday after accustations of inappropriately touching a 16-year-old student.

The Elkhart County prosecutor says Zachary Scott is being charged with two counts of Child Seduction, a Class D felony punishable of up to three years in prison.

Zachary was arrested on Monday afternoon after a judge served a warrant for his arrest on Thursday.

The allegation in this case is “inappropriate touching that is prohibited by law due to Scott’s position of trust as the child’s teacher,” according to a release by Prosecutor Curtis Hill.

The Child Seduction law refers to “fondling or touching with intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires" of the child, the release says.

Neighbors say Scott, who no longer works for Northwood, has a wife and a child – but hasn’t been seen at his home just minutes from the school in many weeks.

Once school officials started investigating in February of this year -- thanks to a tip by a concerned parent -- Scott and the female student admitted they'd become romantically involved.

In the Northwood High School yearbook, Zachary Scott is listed not only as a math teacher, but as an assistant boys varsity basketball coach.

But flip through a release by the Elkhart County prosecutor, and you'll find 27-year-old Scott listed as someone accused of inappropriately touching a 16-year-old girl.

"To hear that a teacher would cross the line like that is very heartbreaking,” said Kelli Escamilla, a parent who lives in Nappanee.

On Wednesday, kids and families strolled by on the sidewalks in front of Zachary Scott's home.

The prosecutor's office says more than two months ago a concerned parent reportedly tipped off the school about questionable behavior between Scott and the teenage student.

"I have two young children, and I just find it disturbing that someone that you're trusting with your children to raise them and give them an education, that they would harm them potentially for life,” said Mark Ellsworth, a Nappanee resident.

Since Scott is being charged with a class D felony, he could face up to three years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.