GALVESTON, Texas (AP) - Sheriff's officials in Texas have charged a police officer with two counts of sexual abuse amid allegations that he inappropriately touched an underage girl.

Galveston officer Dion Allen Watson is charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact. The 50-year-old Watson was taken into custody based on an arrest warrant issued Tuesday. Online records indicate he was no longer being held as of Wednesday at the Galveston County jail.

Galveston County sheriff's officials say the investigation began in January when school administrators forwarded allegations of abuse to Child Protective Services.

A sheriff's affidavit alleges Watson inappropriately touched the girl over a four-year period.

He denied the allegations to investigators.

He was placed on administrative leave last month.

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