A Medford police officer has been arrested on a sexual abuse charge for reportedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

The case was investigated by the Central Point Police Department. The details were released Thursday.

Officer Tyler Terrell Chase, 23, was charged with third-degree sexual abuse and contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor.

Both are misdemeanor charges.

Central Point police said the girl lives in Central Point.

"At the conclusion of our investigation, it is alleged that Tyler Chase had a sexual relationship with the 17-year-old female," Central Point police Capt. Chuck Newell said in a news release.

Calls to Central Point police for comment were not immediately returned Thursday night.

A person commits third-degree sexual abuse when the victim does not consent to the sexual contact or the victim is incapable of consent because he or she is not 18 years old.

Chase was lodged in the Jackson County Jail Thursday on $8,000 bail.

He posted bail and was released.

According to the Medford Police Department's weekly newsletter, Chase was hired by the department in 2009.

He previously served as a community service officer with the department and was assigned to North Medford High School as the school resource officer.