School behavioral specialist Stephanie Mikles had sex with the family dog

A behavioral specialist for Hartford County Schools has been accused of having sex with the family dog.

Stephanie Mikles, 45, from Maryland, was charged with unnatural or perverted sexual practice after photographs and video of her allegedly engaging in the sexual acts with her pet over a month-long period were discovered.

She was hired with the school in 2009 and works primarily with special needs student.

She is now on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.

The child advocacy center of Hartford County began investigating Mikles last year on a separate matter. It was when they searched her home that they discovered the pictures and video.

The incident is said to have taken place from August 1 to August 31, 2008.

In Maryland there is no statute of limitations for bestiality charges so authorities were able to press charges as soon as they discovered the evidence.

Harford County State's Attoey Joseph Cassilly said investigators seized a number of video recordings of the alleged acts that 'took a while to go through'.

The family dog is said to still live at the home in Jarrettsville, Maryland

Mikles was hired by Hartford County Public Schools in 2009 and works primarily with special needs student. She is now on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case

The dog still lives with the family, according to abc2. Mikles is out of jail on $5,000 bond.

If convicted of the bestiality charge, she faces up to 10 years in prison and a one thousand dollar fine.

Mikles denies the charges.