(UNION CITY) – Union City Schools has terminated an employee who is facing charges regarding an incident with a student.

In a posting on the Union City Schools’ website, school officials say they have fired Ray Zierle, who was a night custodian with the District.

The letter says on March 28, Union City Schools was informed that Zierle had been arrested and arraigned following a search of his home.

The Branch County Sheriff’s Office conducted the search at 356 Bidwell Road, where they found electronic devices and uncovered explicit conversations between Zierle and a minor child. Further investigation found that Zierle had been involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with the child. Officers also found weapons and multiple drugs at the house.

The letter says upon receiving this information, the School District promptly placed Zierle on non-disciplinary, paid administrative leave while conducting a fact finding investigation, which was carried out in accordance with established procedures.

The letter also says following completion of the investigation and the appropriate review of all evidence, Zierle was fired.

Zierle is charged with four counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct; two counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct; a charge of accosting a child for immoral purposes; delivery and manufacture of a controlled substance, maintaining a drug house and multiple weapons charges.

Zierle is being held in the Branch County Jail with bond set at $50,000.