The man who was recently sentenced to prison for rape remains a WSU employee; still receiving pay for research.

Andrew Appleton, 52-year-old man of Moscow, received a prison sentence last week for having sexual relations with a teenage relative for more than a year.

Appleton was a professor of political science in WSU’s School of Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs. The school removed him from the position after his arrest in September 2012.

“He was relieved of his duties as a teaching faculty member last year and is no longer on campus,” said Kathryn Barnard, executive director of university communication. “However, he was put on a full research appointment working from home and is being paid in that capacity.”

Barnard said the faculty disciplinary process was pending the outcome of Appleton’s conviction and sentencing.

Appleton is expected to spend between one and five years in prison.

The relative who accused him of sexual assault, an 18-year-old woman, told the Latah County District Court Appleton began touching her inappropriately when she was 16 years old and coerced her into a sexual relationship.