POTSDAM -- The man charged with sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl is an A.A. Kingston Middle School teacher and has been placed on administrative leave.

“As of this time, Mr. McGowan has been placed on administrative leave and will not be returning to school pending the further investigation into this matter," Potsdam Central School Superintendent Patrick Brady said in a prepared statement.

Thomas P. McGowan, 31, was charged with third-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, officers said.

“I am shocked and saddened to hear about the arrest of one of our teachers, Mr. Thomas McGowan. The police are investigating the matter and our decisions in regard to Mr. McGowan will be based on the information we receive from their report,” Brady said.

The alleged incident happened on Sept. 10 in Potsdam.

“Our first regard is the safety and security of our students. We will take any means necessary to support and protect them as the legal process runs its course,” Brady said.

McGowan was arraigned before Town of Potsdam Justice Samuel Charleson and ordered held in the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,500 cash or $5,000 bail bond, deputies said.

An order of protection was issued to the victim. The investigation is continuing and further charges are pending, officers said.

Deputies were assisted in the investigation by the Potsdam Police Department.