A longtime University of Minnesota law professor was arrested last week after being accused by a former girlfriend of sexual misconduct and stalking, according to records.

U officials confirmed that the 54-year-old professor, who hasn't been charged, was hired by the university in August 2006 and has taught since then at the Law School.

The Star Tribune generally doesn't name suspects who haven't been charged with a crime.

It was unclear what led authorities to the professor or what the charges were related to.

The man's lawyer on Monday denied the allegations against his client, saying that they resulted from a relationship turned bitter, without elaborating.

"This is an attempt by the complainant to extort money from him," the attorney, Barry Edwards, said by phone. He declined further comment.

A spokesman for the school said administrators were aware of the arrest but hadn't made a decision on how to proceed.

"We have not yet had an opportunity to discuss the matter or his status with him," the spokesman said in a brief statement issued Monday.

The U.S. Marshals Service around midday Friday arrested the professor, who has tenure at the school, and later booked him into the Hennepin County jail on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct, stalking and false imprisonment, according to online jail records.

He remained in custody on Monday evening, with an expected bail hearing on Tuesday.

Libor Jany • 612-673-4064 Twitter: @StribJany