PORTLAND, — Officials say a Portland social worker remained on the job months after state regulators were first made aware of a complaint that he was having a sexual relationship with a client.

An attorney for 51-year-old Kelly O’Rourke tells the Portland Press Herald his client has been charged with a felony under Maine’s gross sexual assault law. The law prohibits a social worker from engaging in a sexual act with current clients.

O’Rourke’s July 1 arrest came six months after a complaint regarding the relationship was filed with the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure. In that time, O’Rourke continued his practice and his license remained active as of Monday.

The attorney, Rob Andrews, declined to discuss details of the complaint or arrest.