Charge: Maple Grove high school coach, teacher sexually touched player

A onetime Maple Grove High School teacher and assistant girls softball coach is accused of sexually touching and exchanging amorous text messages with a student she coached and tutored.

Jessica M. Chase, 35, of Coon Rapids, was charged in Hennepin County District Court with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct while in a position of authority over her 17-year-old victim. She was charged by summons and has a court appearance set for Sept. 25.

Chase, an All-America college pitcher at Texas State University in San Marcos, also is a private softball instructor in the Twin Cities.

Along with coaching softball at the high school, Chase taught math. She came on board at the start of the 2014-15 school year and resigned within a week of police learning about the allegations.

Chase previously taught math at Wayzata High School in 2013-14 and was an assistant softball coach with the Trojans, said district spokeswoman Amy Parnell. Chase resigned from Wayzata after one year with no complaints against her, Parnell said.

According to the criminal complaint:

Police learned of the relationship on July 22 and found several text messages from early this summer that pointed to the two meeting at the teen's home in Maple Grove, where she lived with her parents.

Chase said in one text: "I want you to 50 shades me." Chase also made references to touching the teen's buttocks.

While being questioned by police, Chase admitted kissing the girl and touching her inner thigh. She said she has known the girl for the past year and a half, taught at schools where she attended and also tutored her. She said she "directly coached the victim for one week" during a sports season.

Maple Grove Police Capt. Adam Lindquist said there is no evidence of other victims, adding, "We feel this is an isolated incident and more of a relationship."

Chase and her attorney declined to comment Wednesday.