A coach in Byers, Texas has been accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student.

KAUZ-TV first told you about the investigation a few months ago and now it is heating up. KAUZ has learned that English teacher and coach Tony Nichols resigned from his position with the Byers school district. District officials said new information about this situation is sparking a criminal investigation. Local residents say Byers is typically quiet, but the small Texas town is being shaken by allegations that have persisted for months.

Steve Wolf, superintendent of Byers Independent School District, said, "Coach Tony Nichols tendered his resignation here at Byers I.S.D. yesterday and there is an investigation pending by the Clay County Sheriff's Department." 

We first brought you this story back in June and, at that time, school administrators said they looked into it, but it didn't warrant criminal investigation. That changed over the weekend as English teacher and coach Tony Nichols submitted his resignation.

"This is something that---there is new evidence that has been presented," Wolf said.

The new evidence led administrators at Byers to contact law enforcement and now the Clay County sheriff department is investigating.

"Well, the school district did call the sheriff's department," Wolf said, "to report the situation to them, and I guess that's what makes us the complainant."

Clay county Sheriff Kenny Lemons said they want to wait to gather more information before releasing further details but did tell us that he *quote* "Can confirm an active investigation at Byers, filed by the school district and a victim about an inappropriate relationship between an educator and a student."

School administrators said both Coach Nichols and the alleged victim signed affidavits back in June stating they were not in a relationship. Superintendent Steve Wolf did say new evidence has surfaced but when asked what the evidence was he wouldn't go much further.

"I, really, due to the pending investigation, cannot comment on that." Wolf said.

No charges have been filed against Tony Nichols. KAUZ-TV attempted to contact him directly but was unable to reach him.