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A former high school psychologist employed across two Jefferson County high schools has been sentenced to five years to life in prison after being convicted at trial of sexually assaulting a student — with prosecutors describing how he used his position of trust to identify, target, and groom vulnerable teenage girls who came to him for help.
James Michael Chevrier, 39, is the Green Mountain and Bear Creek High School Psychologist Accused of Sexual Assault of a Child in Colorado who was sentenced on June 18, 2026, by Jefferson County District Court Judge Diego Hunt. Chevrier was convicted at trial of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. All sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an indeterminate term of at least five years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. He must complete sex offender treatment before any release is considered.
The investigation into Chevrier was initiated after an anonymous tip was submitted through Colorado's Safe-to-Tell program. Prosecutors noted that police subsequently heard from other students who had interactions with Chevrier, which helped reveal a broader pattern of unprofessional conduct and grooming. Chevrier was employed as a staff psychologist at both Green Mountain High School and Bear Creek High School, where he had direct access to vulnerable students seeking mental health support.
"As a school psychologist, he used the very position that was supposed to protect children as a means to victimize them," said Deputy District Attorney Holly Spease at sentencing. "These were not the actions of a psychologist seeking to help children — they were the actions of a predator testing boundaries and grooming vulnerable girls for his own gratification."
Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Tracy Dorland submitted a letter to the court, writing that Chevrier's actions "broke the foundational promise of safety that we make to our community."
The factual information above was sourced from firstda.co as of August 12, 2026. The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a school psychologist or mental health professional is convicted of sexually abusing a student, survivors may have significant civil legal options beyond the criminal sentence. Legal Herald editor Paul Amess spoke with Colorado sexual abuse attorney Dan Lipman about the civil legal avenues that may be available to survivors in cases involving alleged sexual abuse by a school-based mental health provider.
Paul Amess: Dan, when a school psychologist is convicted of sexually abusing a student who came to them for mental health support, what civil legal options may be available to the survivor?
Dan Lipman: Cases involving the sexual abuse of a student by a school-based mental health professional are among the most serious civil matters we encounter. Students who seek support from a school psychologist are among the most vulnerable — they are often dealing with personal struggles and place extraordinary trust in that professional. When that trust is allegedly exploited, families may have civil claims not only against the individual convicted but also against the school district. The district's duty to screen, supervise, and monitor the conduct of its mental health staff is directly relevant to any civil legal evaluation.
Paul Amess: In cases where a pattern of grooming behavior was discovered to extend beyond the primary alleged victim to other students, how does that affect the civil legal landscape?
Dan Lipman: When evidence suggests that grooming behavior involved multiple students at the same institution, it can significantly strengthen civil claims. It raises important questions about whether the school's oversight and monitoring practices were adequate to detect and respond to warning signs before additional students were harmed. Each student who was affected may have independent civil claims worth exploring with an experienced attorney.
Paul Amess: What would you say to a survivor in Colorado who was abused by a mental health professional at their school and is considering their legal options?
Dan Lipman: Please speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Time limits apply to civil claims in Colorado, and early legal guidance gives survivors the clearest picture of their rights and options. An initial consultation is completely confidential and free of charge — no survivor should have to navigate this process alone.
If you or someone you love was allegedly sexually abused or exploited by a school psychologist, counselor, or any school-based mental health professional in Colorado, you may have the right to pursue civil action and recover financial compensation. Contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced Colorado sexual abuse attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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