A former University of Colorado distance runner and current Denver high school cross country coach was recently accused of sexually assaulting a student. The coach was arrested on December 14, 2011 and released on $50,000 bond.
Formal sexual assault charges were filed against the coach, who was due in court on December 28. However, the coach did not show up at the scheduled appearance and the judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest. The coach has not been seen since he posting bail.
Allegations of Sexual Assault Can Tarnish a Reputation
The coach is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl who attends the school where he works. According to prosecutors, the alleged assaults occurred several times from December 2010 to May 2011. At the time, he was coaching both the boys and girls cross country teams. Police did not disclose whether or not the victim was a member of the team.
Prosecutors must prove a number of things before obtaining a conviction. Sexual assault is defined as any unwanted or nonconsensual sexual contact. First and foremost, prosecutors must prove that the victim did not give or was unable to give consent. There may also be factors that provide the coach with a defense.
If convicted, penalties for sexual assault can vary greatly depending on the particular facts of the case and the parties involved. In Colorado, those penalties can include fines and court fees, jail times, probation and community service.
Sexual assault charges alone have the potential to ruin a reputation for a school teacher or coach. If facing sexual assault charges an experienced criminal defense attorney can advise of rights and possible defenses.
Source: CBS Denver, “High School Coach Charged In Sexual Assault Case Has Disappeared,” Dec. 28, 2011