Ashville teacher arrested on sex charges

Anthony Rice

Ashville authorities and the Ashville City Schools superintendent confirm that an Ashville High School coach has been arrested for having sexual contact with a student.

The city jail confirms that Anthony Rice is in custody on a $300,000 bond. He is charged with three counts of a school employee engaging in a sex act with a student under 19.

Superintendent Jenny Seals says that as of Tuesday, Rice is no longer a school system employee.

The St. Clair County DA Richard Minor says the high school principal notified the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office on Monday about the incidents. They investigated and arrested Rice on Monday.

Investigators say Rice had a four-month long, sexual relationship with a student under 19.

According to the high school website, Rice taught driver's education and physical education in addition to being the varsity boys basketball coach, varsity cross-country coach and an assistant football coach.