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The state Public Education Department says it will investigate a former Lavaland Elementary School third-grade teacher charged with felony voyeurism.

New state laws could ensure he never teaches again.

Christopher Lucero, 24, was arrested on July 16 after Albuquerque police say he stalked and videotaped girls using a camera on his shoe over the weekend in Cliff's Amusement Park.

State education officials said they began their investigation on July 17 after learning of the arrest and four felony counts against Lucero.

He was charged with fourth-degree felony because the case involves children.

The department's investigation could lead to suspension or revocation of his teaching license.

"If the results of the investigation warrant it, appropriate licensure actions will be taken, in which case Mr. Lucero will be afforded full due process," said a statement by the Public Education Department.

Due process includes a hearing before any action can be taken against his license.

Albuquerque Public Schools officials said Lucero worked as a substitute teacher in various schools during the 2005-06 school year and was employed full-time at Lavaland for the 2006-07 school year.

In April, Lucero was informed he would not be offered another teaching contract, said district spokesman Joseph Escobedo.

Escobedo said Lucero's last day of employment with APS was the last day of school in May.

The state department's Educator Ethics Bureau investigates all complaints of teacher misconduct, though in the past it hasn't always heard such complaints.

The state has new laws that require school district officials to report allegations of teacher misconduct to the bureau to prevent the movement of problem teachers around the state. In the past, some districts have hired teachers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked.

In 2006, two Albuquerque educators lost their licenses after investigations into misappropriation of funds and sexual relations with a student.

The bureau conducted more than 100 investigations in 2006, revoked the licenses of 17 educators and suspended three others. The 20 actions set a three-year high, which state officials said reflected a tougher stance on teacher misconduct.

Districts are not notified of actions against a teacher's license until after the teacher is on the job. License checks are done on the 40th, 80th and 120th day of school, state officials said.

Because Lucero was not an APS employee when he was arrested, the district was not required to report him to the state, Escobedo said.

State officials said they learned of Lucero's arrest from news reports.