Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
Local authorities have arrested a middle school teacher and coach on charges of sexually assaulting students under his care. The arrest comes following an investigation into reports of inappropriate behavior by the educator at Lincoln Middle School located at 1600 Lancer Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80521.
Evan King, a 50-year-old teacher and assistant track coach at Lincoln Middle School, was taken into custody after an inquiry was launched in April 2024. The Poudre School District had immediately placed King on administrative leave upon receiving the initial allegation of misconduct.
According to the district, the alleged incidents took place during the 2023-24 school year. Police have identified two female victims so far, but suspect there may be additional students who were targeted by King.
King, who the district had employed for nine years, faces three counts of sexual assault on a child by a person of trust. He previously worked as a sixth-grade teacher at Linton Elementary from 2007 to 2009 before transferring to Lincoln Middle School in 2018, where he also held various coaching roles since 2020.
"This is an intolerable abuse of his responsibility as an educator," said Fort Collins Police Assistant Chief Kristy Volesky. "We are saddened by the prospect there may be more victims, and our detectives are working to ensure these students receive the support they need during this difficult time."
Authorities are urging any other potential victims or anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact Detective Justin Butler or Larimer County Crime Stoppers.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of protecting students and upholding the trust placed in educational professionals. As the investigation continues, the community will be closely watching to ensure justice is served and safeguards are strengthened to prevent such abuses of power from occurring in the future.
The arrest of a middle school teacher in Poudre, Colorado on charges of sexually assaulting students has sent shockwaves through the community. As authorities continue their investigation, the victims and their families are grappling with the trauma and searching for a path forward. To better understand the legal rights and options available to these students, our team sat down with experienced Colorado sexual abuse lawyer Dan Lipman.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Thank you for joining us, Mr. Lipman. As a lawyer who has handled many cases of sexual abuse in schools, what are some of the key legal avenues the victims in this case may be able to pursue?
Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Dan Lipman (DL): Victims in cases involving sexual abuse by a teacher or coach have several paths they can take. First and foremost, they have the option to file criminal charges against the accused teacher or coach. Additionally, the victims may be able to pursue civil litigation against both the teacher and the school district. Schools have a duty to protect the safety and well-being of their students, and if it's found that the district was negligent in supervising or vetting this teacher, they could be held liable. The victims may be entitled to compensation for the trauma and harm they've endured.
DM: That's a good point about the school district's responsibility. What other steps can the district take to support these victims and prevent such abuses from happening in the future?
DL: The school district should be working closely with law enforcement and providing comprehensive support services for the victims - things like counseling, medical care, and assistance navigating the legal system. They also need to conduct a thorough review of their hiring, training, and supervision practices to identify any gaps that allowed this abuse to occur. Strengthening those safeguards and implementing more robust oversight mechanisms will be crucial going forward.
DM: What would you say to the victims and their families in terms of recognizing the signs of abuse and knowing how to report it?
DL: The most important thing is being vigilant and trusting your instincts. If a student seems withdrawn, anxious, or displays any other behavioral changes, that could be a red flag. Parents should not hesitate to speak up and report any suspicious behavior by teachers or other school staff, no matter how respected or senior they may be. Schools have an obligation to thoroughly investigate any allegations and protect students. With the right support and accountability, we can work to prevent these tragedies and ensure schools remain safe havens for our children.
DM: Thank you for providing that valuable legal perspective. It's clear that the victims in this case have options to seek justice, and the community must remain proactive in safeguarding student wellbeing.
Seeking Justice for School Sex Abuse Survivors
For victims and families impacted by this troubling case or similar ones, it's crucial to know that you have options and avenues to pursue accountability and healing. We encourage you to reach out to our office for a free, confidential consultation. Our team of sexual abuse lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of survivors and ensuring they receive the justice and support they deserve. Don't hesitate to take the first step - contact us today.
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