Anymore, there are so many stories of pastors and other adults who work around children who face accusations and criminal charges of Sexual Assault. In one recent news story, a 23-year-old former youth pastor was accused of having sex with a 17-year-old. The relationship was discovered when the alleged victim told her priest she was having a sexual relationship with her youth pastor. After meeting him at a church retreat, the two began meeting to talk about her depression. Their coffee shop meetings turned into meeting at the youth pastor's apartment. The youth pastor allegedly told the girl to come over to his apartment as he was leaving for a new job soon and only had seven years to live due to a heart condition. The youth pastor later admitted to having sex with the underage female. In Denver and across Colorado, the youth pastor could face charges of Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust, C.R.S. 18-3-405.3.

Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust – Arapahoe and Douglas County Definition

In Arapahoe and Douglas County, Colorado, whenever someone subjects another person to any sexual contact when they are less than eighteen years of age and the actor committing the offense is one in a Position of Trust with respect to the victim, Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust charges will be filed. Because the 23-year-old had sex with a 17-year-old, and because he was in a position of trust (as a pastor), he would face Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust charges.

Sexual Assault on a Child – POT Cases in Adams County: Be Careful Around Kids

There are many roles which qualify as positions of trust in Adams County and across Colorado. By statute definition, a person in a position of trust includes:

“Any person who is a parent or acting in the place of a parent and charged with any of a parent's rights, duties, or responsibilities concerning a child, including a guardian or someone otherwise responsible for the general supervision of a child's welfare, or a person who is charged with any duty or supervision of a child, including foster care, child care, family care, or institutional care, either independently or through another, no matter how brief, at the time of an unlawful act.”

If you work around children in Colorado, supervising and caring for them, you should be cautious. Never be alone with them, as you might if they needed a ride home following a church activity.  Sometimes, caring roles can lead to close relationships with kids. Other times, kids you care for may be rebellious or struggle with behavioral issues and make false sexual assault allegations about you. Below are some common roles which can qualify as positions of trust in Colorado:

1. Church mentors
2. Teachers
3. Babysitters
4. Police officers
5. Stepparents
6. Coaches
7. Librarians
8. Camp directors

Jefferson County Sexual Assault on a Child by a Person in a Position of Trust is a Felony

If facing Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust charges in Jefferson County, Colorado, you can face either class 3 or class 4 felony charges. Sexual Assault on a Child – Position of Trust is a class 4 felony if the victim is fifteen years of age or older but less than eighteen years of age and the offense isn't committed as part of a pattern of sexual abuse. But, Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust becomes a class 3 felony if the victim is less than fifteen years of age or the actor commits the offense as part of a pattern of sexual abuse. Additionally, this crime is subject to Colorado's indeterminate sentencing laws, and you must register as a sex offender and complete sex offender treatment if convicted. There are many risks and restrictions involved upon a conviction of Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust in Colorado. You cannot afford to fight any criminal charges on your own. Call a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in sex crimes at the O'Malley Law Office today and protect your future and rights.

If you face charges of Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust in Colorado, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Then, call the best sexual assault criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-830-0880, or submit the “Get Help Now” form for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.

Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net – Suriya Kankliang