News Summary

George Sagner, former Mead High School girls’ basketball coach, has been convicted of multiple sex crimes, including sexual assault of a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The conviction has deeply shaken the Greeley community, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance and support for young athletes. Sagner faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence as the community reflects on trauma and safety for its youth.

George Sagner Convicted of Multiple Sex Crimes, Shocking Community

The quiet town of Greeley is reeling after the conviction of former Mead High School girls’ basketball coach George Sagner. A jury in Weld County found Sagner guilty on August 29 of several serious charges, casting a dark shadow on what was once seen as a promising coaching career.

Multiple Charges for Disturbing Behavior

The 33-year-old coach faced serious allegations including six counts of sexual assault of a child (pattern) and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. All charges are felonies, and they stem from an investigation that ignited back in 2021 following a Safe2Tell tip. This tip reported troubling behavior involving Sagner and a player, setting off a chain of events that would lead to multiple young lives being impacted.

A Decade of Betrayal

During the decade in question, Sagner was accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships with at least three of his players. Shockingly, one of these reported relationships lasted more than two years. It’s hard to fathom how someone entrusted with the minds and bodies of young athletes could betray that trust in such a horrifying manner.

Alcohol and Marijuana Use

Investigations revealed that Sagner allegedly provided the young women with alcohol and marijuana before the assaults took place. This alarming tactic made it easier for him to exploit his position of power. One former student recounted how Sagner began drinking with her during the summer of 2021, just as she was set to enter her senior year. She described a harrowing incident where, after consuming these substances at his home, he touched her inappropriately, leading her to withdraw from their relationship.

Quitting the Team

This former player decided to leave the basketball team as a result of her distressing experiences. Her brave story was backed up by another girl who also corroborated the account of drinking and smoking marijuana at Sagner’s residence. This lends weight to the accusations and illustrates a troubling pattern of behavior.

School District Response

The St. Vrain Valley School District confirmed that Sagner was no longer employed with them as of January 2023, but the fallout from these events has left a lasting mark on the community. Originally, Sagner’s legal troubles spanned both Weld and Boulder counties, but officials decided to consolidate the cases to ensure a more streamlined judicial process.

A Long Road Ahead

After entering a not guilty plea back in December 2023, Sagner found himself facing justice as the jury delivered their verdict. He now awaits sentencing, which has been set for January 6, 2026. The potential penalty is severe, with Sagner facing a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 144 years. One can only hope that this lengthy sentence might bring a sense of closure to the victims and their families.

Community Support for Victims

This case highlights the urgent need for vigilance and support within our communities, especially concerning the well-being of young athletes. Everyone deserves a safe environment to learn and grow, free from fear and exploitation. As the dust settles on this tragic chapter, many are reflecting on how to support victims and protect future generations from similar experiences.

The town of Greeley has entered a period of reflection, and there’s a collective call for us to look out for one another, ensuring that our children’s safety is a priority. Sagner’s conviction serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for open conversations about such serious issues.

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