By Leslie Albrecht
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS — A Columbia University professor was charged Thursday with having a sexual relationship with his 24-year-old daughter, prosecutors said.
Political science professor David Epstein was arraigned on one count of felony incest. Police say the relationship between Epstein and his daughter was consensual, the Columbia Daily Spectator reported.
The relationship took place between July 2006 and June 2009 at the professor's West 120th residence, according to a criminal complaint filed with the Manhattan District Attorney's office.
Sources told the Daily News that the daughter was over 18 when the relationship started, and that "the two often exchanged twisted text messages."
A Columbia University spokesman wouldn't comment on the case, but said Epstein is on administrative leave and is not teaching students.
Epstein holds a Ph.D. in political economics from Stanford University and a B.A. in applied mathematics from Harvard University, according to a resumé posted on Columbia's website.
He received positive online reviews from students for a 2002 class he taught on American politics. One student said Epstein brought "a great deal of humor and personality to his lectures."
Epstein has blogged for the Huffington Post and appeared on CBS as an analyst during the 2008 election.
