BLOOMINGTON, Ind.  — Indiana State Police trooper has been fired after admitting to continuing a relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

State Police Superintendent Doug Carter says Starnes committed conduct unbecoming of an officer when “he continued a relationship with a female” after learning she was 17.

A state police document says Trooper Ryan Starnes was accused by the teenager’s parents of maintaining a relationship with the girl between July and October 2018.

Starnes’ dismissal was effective Feb. 28, and he has until March 15 to file an appeal.