A longtime educator at a private school in Shelby County has been arrested on child pornography charges.

Michael Roy Bridges, a performing arts director who has also served during his career as an assistant principal at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School, was taken into Thursday on 13 counts of possession of child sex abuse material, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Bridges, 68, started working at the school – which serves students from pre-k through eighth grade – in 1998, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Sheriff’s officials said the investigation into Bridges began earlier this month. Additional details about the investigation or the accusations against Bridges have not been released.

He remained held in the Shelby County Jail Thursday night on bonds totaling $195,000.

At this time, sheriff’s officials said, there is no evidence to suggest the images were produced in or near Shelby County.

Additional charges could follow as the investigation continues.

Efforts to reach school officials for comment were not immediately successful.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigators, we were able to make a significant arrest in this case,” Sheriff John Samaniego said in a prepared statement.

“Our commitment to protecting children from exploitation remains unwavering, and we will continue to utilize every resource and partnership available.”

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with additional information to call Investigator Ian Fleming at 205- 670-6153. An anonymous tip can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777, or on their website at www.crimestoppersmetroal.com.