A teacher in Burke County has been arrested and charged with second-degree sexual assault, the sheriff's office said.

Tracy Hefner didn't say anything shortly after appearing before a judge in Morganton on the charge of second-degree sexual offense involving a male student.  

Superintendent Larry Putnam suspended Hefner with pay Monday at East Burke High School shortly after learning of the allegations.

“He has a great rapport with kids,” Putnam said. “He is liked by the staff at East Burke High School. It is just a devastating blow to that community.”

Hefner worked both as a social studies teacher and athletic trainer in the Burke County School System for nearly two decades.

“It was kind of shocking,” student Chasity Smith said.

Smith was stunned to hear news of the arrest. She and other students Eyewitness News talked with found it difficult to believe the allegations. 

“He was enthusiastic about what he did and stuff,” Smith said.

“He was pretty cool. Everybody loved him,” student Dillon Bryant said. “I don't see how that happened.”

The sheriff said they only learned of the allegations a few days ago and immediately began investigating.

Parents want answers, as well.

“He seemed like a pretty good person,” father Frank Icenhour said. “No sign to me of him doing anything like that.”

The superintendent said the district will alert all the parents about the allegations on Tuesday night through a recorded message by phone.  Earlier, they had extra counselors on hand at the school for the students.