SAN JOSE -- The assistant principal of a San Francisco high school has been arrested on pimping charges.

San Jose police say they arrested Gerald Courtney, the assistant principal at Galileo High School, and his accomplice Hsiu Hwa Chou for allegedly running two brothels in San Jose. Both are charged with felony pimping and pandering.

"The San Jose vice unit served several search warrants, one in Milpitas and one in San Francisco, regarding an ongoing investigation of the past four months," said San Jose Police Sgt. Michael Sullivan.

San Francisco schools officials say Courtney has been placed on leave. Courtney began working for the school district in 1988.

“We are very sad to hear about this arrest,” said Gentle Blythe, spokeswoman for the San Francisco Unified School District.

Police said they seized evidence of pimping, pandering and prostitution at the locations. They also took custody of Courtney and Chou in addition to two other suspects charged with misdemeanor prostitution violations.

Courtney allegedly assisted Chou in obtaining apartment leases and creating Internet postings for illegal operations, police said. No minors, students or other school officials were involved in the prostitution ring, according to police.