JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- An assistant professor at University of North Florida was placed on leave with pay Tuesday, one day after he was arrested for allegedly selling cocaine to an undercover police officer.

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Halsall Arrested On Drug Charge After Complaining About Raid

Paul Halsall was arrested as part of a five-month investigation into drug dealing at Club Metro, a gay nightclub in Riverside. The club was raided Saturday night, with officers arresting more than a dozen patrons.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is asking the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to investigate Club Metro. They said drugs were everywhere in the club when officers arrived.

Police report says he was arrested on a warrant for allegedly selling $150 of cocaine to an undercover cop at the Metro Club in March.

According to police, Halsall denies the accusations that he sold drugs.

About one hour prior to Halsall's arrest, he was interviewed by Channel 4's Scott Johnson about his criticisms over the police targeting a gay club.

"We had the (arrest) warrant signed over a week ago. He would have been arrested at the club that night if we'd seen him there," Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Chief Mark Bowen said.

Halsall taught history at UNF during the spring semester, and was to teach two summer-term classes that were to begin Tuesday.

The university released a copy of a letter hand-delivered to Halsall notifying him he was suspended pending an investigation of the charges.

"You are further directed that while on this leave to not contact students or to attempt to engage in any of your currently assigned duties or other University-related activities," said the letter, signed by UNF Provost Gerry Giordano.

Police were not aware of any drug activity on the UNF campus.