Fort Collins teacher accused of child sex assault pleads guilty

Article from the Coloradoan.

The Fort Collins teacher charged with child sex assault has entered an amended guilty plea and will be sentenced in May.

Dean McCollum, 44, a Bauder Elementary School teacher and former Mountain Kids Gymnastics coach, was accused of assaulting one or more young boys in his care “almost daily” between 2001 and 2006, according to court records.

McCollum pleaded guilty Feb. 27 to negligent child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury, a Class 4 felony, and misdemeanor sexual contact. For the felony charge, he faces two to six years in prison and between $2,000 and $500,000 in fines.

Two charges of sex assault on a child in a position of trust and one charge of aggravated incest were dismissed. Each were Class 3 felonies, punishable by up to 12 years in prison and $750,000 in fines.

Poudre School District placed McCollum on administrative leave and replaced him with a long-term substitute at the school following his arrest. The gym terminated him upon learning about the allegations.

Court records indicate McCollum has no prior criminal history in Colorado.

McCollum was arrested Oct. 6 and posted a $10,000 bond Oct. 13. He remains out on bond. He’s due in court for a sentencing with 8th Judicial District Judge Devin R. Odell on May 1.

Anyone who feels victimized by McCollum is encouraged to call Fort Collins Police Detective Tessa Jakobbson at 970-221-6575.

If you or someone you care about was sexually abused and you would like advice from an attorney about the rights and options for victims of child sexual abuse, please contact Crew Janci today for a free, confidential consultation at 1-888-407-0224 or by using our private online form.  We will treat you with discretion and respect.

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