Details emerge in teacher sex assault case
The Fort Collins teacher and coach arrested Wednesday allegedly assaulted young boys in his care "almost daily" as they got ready for school, according to court records.
Dean Allen McCollum, 44, was arrested on charges of sexual assault on a child with a pattern of abuse, sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust and aggravated incest — all Class 3 felonies. He is a teacher at Bauder Elementary School and worked as a coach at Mountain Kids Gymanstics in Fort Collins, according to Fort Collins Police Services.
Poudre School District placed McCollum on administrative leave and replaced him with a long-term substitute at the school. The gym terminated him upon learning about the allegations.
Between 2001 and 2006, McCollum reportedly gave at least one of the children in his care back massages in the morning as they were getting ready for school. This happened almost every weekday, and the massages progressed to the point that he was undressing and fondling the children. He also allegedly stood outside the shower and watched and reached inside while the children showered, according to the records.
PREVIOUSLY: Fort Collins teacher arrested for child sex assault
When police interviewed him before his arrest, he told them they were "crazy" and "sounded crazy."
The youngest of McCollum's alleged victims, now an adult, told police that McCollum abused both he and an older child. The older child did not confirm he himself was abused but said he had heard things about the allegations involving the younger child.
One of the alleged victims said he attended gymnastics classes while McCollum was a coach at Mountain Kids. He said he understood the proper way to "spot" a child in gymnastics and recognized when McCollum inappropriately touched children at the gym. McCollum would become aroused and leave to go the bathroom, the alleged victim said.
Ron Baretta, owner of the Mountain Kids, said the gym has a thorough hiring process, including detailed background searches and fingerprints. He said the gym had received no complaints while McCollum was a coach and was not aware of the alleged victim's claims. He said notifications were sent via email to parents involved with the gym when McCollum was arrested.
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No charges have currently been levied to substantiate the claims that McCollum assaulted children at the gym. However, anyone who feels they might have been victimized by McCollum is encouraged to contact Fort Collins Police Detective Tessa Jakobsson at 970-221-6575.
McCollum is being held in the Larimer County Jail on a $10,000 bond. He is due in court for his first appearance Oct. 13.
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network — an anti-sexual violence organization — lists tips for what to do if you suspect a child is being harmed.
RAINN Tips
1. Recognize the signs
- The signs of abuse aren’t necessarily obvious, but they include:
- Behavioral signs: Shrinking away from physical contact, thumb sucking or other regressive behaviors, changing hygiene routines, engaging in age-inappropriate sexual behaviors, or having sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Verbal cues: Using words or phrases that are “too adult” for their age, unexplained silence or suddenly being less talkative
- Physical signs: Bruising or swelling near the genital area, blood on sheets or undergarments or broken bones
2. Talk to the child
- If you are concerned about abuse, talk to the child.
- Pick your time and place carefully and find a place the child feels comfortable.
- Be aware of your tone. Try to make the conversation more casual and be non-threatening.
- Talk to the child directly. Ask questions that use the child’s own vocabulary but that are a little vague. For example, “Has someone been touching you?” In this context “touching” can mean different things, but it is likely a word the child is familiar with. The child can respond with questions or comments to help you better gauge the situation like, “No one touches me except my mom at bath time,” or “You mean like the way my cousin touches me sometimes?” Understand that sexual abuse can feel good to the child, so asking if someone is “hurting” them may not bring out the information that you are looking for.
- Listen and follow up, but avoid judgment and blame.
- Reassure the child, and make sure they know that they're not in trouble.
- Be patient. Remember that this conversation may be very frightening for the child. Many perpetrators make threats about what will happen if someone finds out about the abuse.
3. Report it
- Reporting a crime like sexual abuse might not be easy, and it can be emotionally draining.
- Keep in mind that reporting abuse gives you the chance to protect someone who can’t protect themselves.
- Before you report, tell the child that you’re going to talk to someone who can help. Be clear that you are not asking their permission.