Police have arrested a Harlem High School teacher and coach who is accused of having sex with a 16-year-old student.

Melissa Chase, 28, a softball coach, was arrested at the school at about 3 p.m. Monday, Columbia County sheriff's Capt. Steve Morris said.

She was charged with sexual assault against a student enrolled in school, which is a felony, Capt. Morris said.

The encounter between the coach and student took place this month at the school, Capt. Morris said. He said the alleged victim is a girl but would not say whether she plays on Ms. Chase's team.

Ms. Chase was being held at the Columbia County Detention Center, Capt. Morris said.

Ms. Chase, of the 3000 block of Spicewood Drive in Augusta, resigned Monday, according to a statement released by Columbia County school Superintendent Tommy Price.

Mr. Price refused a request for a telephone interview, saying through his secretary that he did not want to compromise an investigation by the sheriff's office.

In his letter to the media, Mr. Price wrote that the sheriff's office notified his office Monday.

After a preliminary investigation by police, Ms. Chase resigned, he wrote.

Reach Donnie Fetter at 863-6165 ext. 113 or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com