AUSTIN —  Austin police arrested a 27-year-old teacher after he allegedly tried to secure a marriage license and wed a student ten years younger than him.

Police say the 17-year-old girl's mother accompanied the pair to apply for a marriage license last week.

Akins High School teacher Ranulfo "Randy" Arias turned himself in Monday and was arrested for allegedly having an improper relationship with the girl. He's free on $5,000 bond.

If convicted, Arias could get up to 20 years behind bars for having an improper relationship between a student and an educator.

An attorney for Arias, who teaches Spanish and helps coach the cross-country team, did not immediately comment.

Arias is now on administrative leave.

The girl told police their relationship began in March and the couple had sex.