News Summary

George Sagner, a former basketball coach in Mead, Colorado, has been convicted of multiple child sex crimes, including sexual assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Following a jury’s decision on August 29, 2023, Sagner faces a potential sentence of up to 78 years in prison. The case stems from disturbing allegations made by former students, highlighting serious issues regarding trust and safety in schools. The community is left grappling with the implications of these events as they seek to move forward.

George Sagner Found Guilty of Multiple Child Sex Crimes

In a shocking turn of events, Mead, Colorado, has been rocked by the recent conviction of former girls’ basketball coach, George Sagner. On August 29, 2023, a jury found Sagner, who is just 33 years old, guilty on multiple counts related to child sex crimes. The court revealed that he faces a staggering total of eight charges, which include six counts of sexual assault on a child, categorized under a pattern of offenses, alongside two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. All of these charges, being felonies, carry serious consequences.

A Brief History

Sagner made quite an impression when he first joined the coaching staff at Mead High School in the fall of 2019. Before that, he had experience as the assistant boys’ basketball coach at Longmont High School between 2013 and 2015. However, it seems that beneath the surface, there were troubling behaviors that would eventually lead to his downfall.

The Allegations

The disturbing allegations came to light thanks to a Safe2Tell tip submitted to local police in May 2022. A former student from Mead High School stepped forward, shedding light on a troubling relationship she had developed with Sagner while she was on the basketball team. The young woman recounted a mentorship that took a dark turn. During the summer of 2021, when she was an incoming senior, she claimed that not only did she babysit Sagner’s children, but they also spent time together at his house.

Some of the alleged activities included the consumption of alcohol and engaging in questionable behavior, which included kissing and inappropriate touching. These revelations painted a disheartening picture of a coach who crossed boundaries that should never be crossed. Following these distressing incidents, the victim understandably began to pull away from Sagner and ultimately decided to quit the basketball team in the fall of 2022.

Corroborating Evidence

To add to the weight of the accusations, a second girl corroborated the initial statements, confirming her presence during the earlier mentioned interactions. Together, these accounts provided convincing evidence that led to his conviction.

Sagner’s Employment Status

By January 2023, Sagner was no longer employed by the St. Vrain Valley School District, marking a significant departure from a position that was once considered to be his calling. This development came as the investigation moved forward and the charges against him from both Weld and Boulder counties were combined for trial.

The Future for Sagner

As for what lies ahead, Sagner is facing some serious time. With Colorado’s felony sentencing guidelines, he could be looking at a sentence of up to 78 years in prison. A sentencing hearing has already been scheduled for January 6, 2024, a date that many in the community will be eagerly anticipating.

The Community Response

This case has left the local community reeling. Parents, students, and faculty alike are feeling the impact of these allegations, questioning how something like this could happen in their own backyard. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of children.

This troubling situation serves as a cautionary tale about trust and the potential dangers that can lurk beneath the surface. The community of Mead is hopeful that justice will be served, and that incidents like these will be prevented in the future. A heavy atmosphere lingers over the town, but the resilience of the community may ultimately help everyone heal as they move forward.

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