Columbia University professor charged with incest

London, Dec 11 (ANI): A 46-year-old Columbia University professor has been charged with incest for 'having a sexual relationship with his daughter'.

Political science professor David Epstein allegedly bedded his daughter, now 24, for three years between 2006-2009.

Epstein, who specializes in American politics and voting rights, is said to have also exchanged twisted text messages with the girl during the consensual relationship.

University spokesman Robert Hornsby said that Epstein 'is now on administrative leave and will not be teaching students'.

The well-liked professor, who has taught at Harvard and Stanford, was married to another lecturer at the Ivy League institution, Sharyn O'Halloran, but the pair recently divorced.

"We ask that everyone remember that he is innocent until proven otherwise and that these allegations are nothing more than allegations," the Daily Mail quoted Epstein's defence lawyer Matthew Galluzzo.

Epstein faces up to four years behind bars if convicted. (ANI)