A 25-year-old middle school coach and youth minister has been arrested by Lynn Haven Police on sexual battery charges involving a 14-year-old girl.

James Simmons of 408 East 5th Street in Lynn Haven was jailed on a charge of sexual battery on a person over the age of 12.

Police Chief David Messer says the incident occurred four days ago at Simmons’ home.

He's employed at Merritt Brown Middle School as a softball and wrestling coach. He is also a youth minister at North Bay Baptist Church on Virginia Ave. in Lynn Haven.

Apparently, Simmons was acquainted with the girl and her family for several years through both the school and church.

He's in the Bay County Jail and will have a first appearance in Bay County Court this afternoon.