AURORA - Aurora police said they are not going forward with criminal charges against a school employee accused of sexually assaulting a student because of "new and conflicting statements by witness."
Joel Aaron Stahl, 32, was arrested Sunday night. Aurora police initially told the news media they were investigating allegations that he sexually assaulted a student with a disability. Stahl is a paraprofessional at Aurora Central High School.
Police released a statement Monday evening saying they would no longer pursue charges. The statement was issued several hours after the arrest was announced and after the story had been published and broadcast by various news outlets, including 9News.
Police said Stahl would be released Monday evening from the Arapahoe County Jail, but the investigation in the case continues.
"The Aurora Police Department will continue to work closely with Aurora Public Schools and the District Attorney's Office to pursue this matter to a proper conclusion," Aurora police said in a news release.
Stahl is still on paid administrative leave while the school district investigates the allegations.
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