A Mancos High School teacher was arrested Monday afternoon on suspicion of sexually assaulting a student.
Armando Lee-Martinez, 28, was taken into custody by the Mancos Marshal’s Office after an investigation that began April 14.
According to a news release from Mancos Marshal Justen Goodall, the investigation began after allegations of a “teacher and student relationship.”
According to Goodall, the charges in the arrest warrant include:
Sex assault on a child by a person in a position of trust as part of a pattern of abuse, a Class 3 felony.Sex assault on a child victim age 15-17 by a person in a position of trust, a Class 4 felony.Sexual exploitation of children, induce or entice, a Class 3 felony.Tampering with physical evidence, a Class 6 felony.Mancos Superintendent Brian Hanson told The Journal that he would release a statement to parents Tuesday morning with guidance on how to explain the situation to their children.
Hanson confirmed that Lee-Martinez was in his first year as the school’s Spanish teacher for students in grades nine through 12.
Lee-Martinez is a graduate of Mancos High School who also had a college degree and previous teaching experience, according to Hanson.
Upon hearing that Lee-Martinez was under investigation, Hanson told The Journal that administrative steps were immediately taken to ensure the safety of the alleged victim.
According to 22nd Judicial District Attorney Matt Margeson, a bond hearing for Lee-Martinez likely will be held Tuesday afternoon. The court will then set a deadline for the district attorney’s office to formally file its own charges.
anicotera@the-journal.com