Prep AD Who Failed to Report Child Abuse Charged

A high school athletic director in Colorado is accused of failing to report child abuse or neglect.

Chatfield High School athletic director Craig Aukland was issued the criminal summons Friday because he’s a mandatory reporter under state law, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

The sheriff’s office told the Canon City Daily Record that it would not provide further details in the case because it involves minors. 

Aukland is facing a misdemeanor charge of failure to report child abuse or neglect. He was put on paid administrative leave Tuesday, the school told the Daily Record. Chatfield High School principal Chad Broer on Aug. 18 was put on paid administrative leave as Jeffco Public Schools investigates what it said was a violation of safety protocols.

A school spokeswoman said students at the school were disciplined in connection with the situation. She did not divulge the level of discipline or reasons for the discipline, citing the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Daily Record reported.

A letter was sent Tuesday night to Chatfield families to inform them of the investigation.

Jim Ellis, who served as Chatfield’s principal from 1999 to 2004, was named interim principal. He retired from Ralston Valley High School in 2013. No interim athletic director has been named, but the district is looking to name someone, the letter said.