VIRGINIA, Minn. — An Ely police officer has been indicted on charges of having sex with a teenager while he was in a position of authority over her.

A grand jury indicted 37-year-old Sgt. Jason Allen Carlson, of Aurora, on one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. It carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail.

The girl was at least 16 but younger than 18 when the act allegedly took place last December.

The indictment was returned Oct. 14 and sealed until Carlson’s arraignment Friday.

Carlson has been an Ely police officer for 10 years. Chief John Lahtonen says he’s on paid administrative leave. The chief had no further comment.

Bail was set at $15,000. Carlson’s next court date is Dec. 21. It wasn’t immediately clear if he has a lawyer.