A Franklin County High School drama and English teacher has been jailed on charges of having inappropriate sexual contact with a 17-year-old at a Monteagle, Tenn., retreat in August, court records show.

An affidavit states that teacher Robert Thomas Allen Jr., 39, is charged with sexual battery by an authority figure. Mr. Allen admitted to the allegations and told investigators he bought beer and smoked marijuana with the teen in a rented cabin at Grundy County’s Bear Hollow Retreat, court records show.

The two were at the retreat on Aug. 30 to put on a play, records show.

Linda Foster, interim director of Franklin County schools, said this morning that the play was not related to any school activities and the victim does not attend school in Franklin County.

Ms. Foster said she expected to meet with Mr. Allen this morning. She said she would comment on his status with the system later today.

See Saturday’s Times Free Press for complete coverage and check www.timesfreepress.com throughout the day for updates.