A Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputy was charged with two counts unlawful sexual conduct and placed on administrative leave over the weekend.

Deputy Gary Kaplan was booked on two counts of unlawful sexual conduct for a peace officer, was placed on administrative leave and is the subject of an internal investigation, according to an MCSO statement.

Under Arizona law,  it is illegal for a peace officer to have sexual relations with a person who is in their custody or is the subject of an investigation. MCSO did not detail the alleged incidents in its release.

In a statement, Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said  his department will be strict when policing its own ranks.

"MCSO will continue to hold our employees accountable for behaviors that are in conflict with our values," Mr. Penzone said in the statement. "As the sheriff, I will be intolerant of violations of public trust and/or abuse of the law. We owe it to the community to be transparent and accountable. My standard will remain unwavering."

MCSO is encouraging anyone  with informaiton on the investigation call its tip line at 602-876-8477,  email at tips@MCSO.maricopa.gov or on its website at www.mcso.org/Home/SendUsATip.