Associated Press - August 7, 2009 9:14 AM ET

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) - A St. Louis area teacher is accused of trying to set up a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl in an online chat room.

Authorities say the 14-year-old was really an undercover police officer. The suspect, 33-year-old Neil Patrick Swyres of St. Charles County, faces several charges.

After his arrest, Swyres resigned from his job as physical education and health teacher at Bayless Intermediate School in St. Louis County.

Authorities say there is no evidence of wrongdoing at the school. But the district is sending letters to parents and faculty notifying them of the charges.

Swyers' attorney says his client is innocent and resigned because he had another job offer.

Swyers is free on $25,000 bond.

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