LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. — Since his arrest earlier this year, a third person has come forward saying they were victimized by a man who taught in the Poudre School District for nearly two decades.
Robert Denise, who taught social studies at Cache La Poudre Middle School, was initially arrested in April on two counts of sexual assault on a child, according to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. The school district said he was put on unpaid leave in February when they learned of an investigation.
In August a second victim came forward. After the sheriff's office put out a release about that victim they were contacted by a third victim who reported that he attended Cache La Poudre Junior High in the early 2000s and was Denise's student.
He told investigators that that Denise engaged in grooming behaviors which culminated in sexual assault. The victim also told investigators that prior to the assault, he had disclosed to Denise that he had been sexually abused years earlier. There is no indication that Denise, a mandatory reporter, ever provided this information to school administrators or law enforcement.
Denise now faces a total of four counts of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust related to three different victims who were all under 16 when the alleged incidents occurred. He also faces a charge of failure to report child abuse.
According to the sheriff's office, the victims do not know each other and did not attend Cache La Poudre Middle School at the same time.
After filing the additional charges, prosecutors requested that Denise be given a higher bond. The court granted that request and revised his bond from $1,000 cash to $50,000 cash or surety.
He was booked into the Larimer County Jail on the new bond on Nov. 3.
Denise has been employed by Poudre School District as a teacher since 1995. He also worked at the Ben Delatour Scout Ranch in Red Feather Lakes during summers in the 1990s. Due to the nature of the allegations and access to children, investigators are concerned that additional victims may exist.
Investigators are asking people to contact law enforcement with information about any unreported incidents involving this suspect.
“Our goal is to seek the truth, support victims, and prevent future harm,” said Captain Bobby Moll, who leads the LCSO Investigations Division. “Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, please know that you’re not alone and your voice matters.”
Anyone with information about unreported inappropriate conduct or abuse involving this suspect is encouraged to contact Investigator Ryan Gebhardt at 970-498-5586.
People who wish to remain anonymous may also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org. The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
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