BARRINGTON - A former Des Plaines middle school teacher has been accused of having inappropriate contact with one of his students, according to the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

Jack K. Pickup, 34, of the 100 block of East Liberty Street, Barrington, was charged Tuesday with a felony count of grooming and misdemeanor count of sexual exploitation of a child.

The parents of a 15-year-old girl recently contacted investigators after they discovered he was communicating with their daughter through use of a computer and cell phone, according to a news release.

Pickup allegedly had an online relationship with the victim dating back to last year while teaching at Chippewa Middle School in Des Plaines, Undersheriff Andrew Zinke said. He had also been text messaging with the girl since she graduated eighth grade, giving her his phone number so that they could remain in communication after she graduated.

According to police, Pickup began sexting with the victim in late June, which included sexually inappropriate photos. The girl lives in unincorporated McHenry County.

At no point was there any physical contact between the two, Zinke said.

He was released from the McHenry County Jail Thursday morning after posting 10 percent of his $10,000 bond.