A former substitute teacher is facing charges that he tried to solicit one of his students for sex.

Lemitch Banks was a substitute at West Mecklenburg High School for only about six weeks, when police said he sent messages to a 17-year-old student online allegedly trying to get her to have sex with him.

Sources said another teacher at West Mecklenburg overheard a conversation between Banks and the student in November that raised her suspicions.

She reported it to the principal and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools police began investigating. Banks was fired from his substitute's job within several days and police continued their investigation until they presented their case to a prosecutor earlier this week.

Banks is charged with taking indecent liberties with a student -- a felony. He is out of jail on $5,000 bond.

An attorney made Banks' first court appearance for him Thursday afternoon.

No one answered the door at Banks' home Thursday.