BELFAST – A Belfast Area High School teacher is under investigation for allegedly embezzling funds from the SAD 34 employee union, Police Chief Jeff Trafton said Friday.

The investigation began a little more than a week ago, Trafton said.

A teacher who has been identified as a suspect is cooperating with the investigators, he said.

A forensic audit by the Maine Education Association is under way, Trafton said, and charges may follow when that part of the investigation is complete.

“It’s a significant amount of money,” the chief said of the funds believed to be missing. The alleged embezzlement may have begun six years ago, he added.

A union representative declined to comment on the investigation, and SAD 34 Superintendent Bob Young did not return a telephone message Friday.

Trafton said he could not release further details until charges are filed, if they are filed.

“The case is still under investigation,” he said.