Teh One Who Knocks
04-08-2011, 12:56 AM
Written by - Kyle Clark, Channel 9 News Reporter
http://i.imgur.com/08lxz.jpg
LAKEWOOD - 9Wants to Know has learned that Alameda High School girls basketball coach Wes Specht, who goes by the nickname "Wild Man," is suspected of sexually assaulting a child.
Specht, 26, was arrested Wednesday night, after Lakewood Police detectives learned he had been having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female student, police said.
Three other Jeffco Public Schools employees were placed on paid administrative leave Thursday. Jeffco Schools spokeswoman Lynn Setzer says the employees are being investigated because "it's been suggested they had knowledge of child abuse."
School employees are mandatory reporters under the law, meaning they must report suspected crimes against children.
Specht was arrested on a several child sex charges: sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust with a pattern and sexual exploitation of a child.
Court documents reviewed by 9Wants to Know indicate a months-long sexual relationship where Specht and a female student met for sex at a public park, his home and his parents' house.
An arrest affidavit says the relationship came to the attention of the school principal when a school secretary remarked that she couldn't believe Specht was still employed, given his relationship with the student, who the secretary said was very open about her relationship with the coach.
As a contract worker, Specht is not currently employed by the district because the basketball season is over.
Lakewood Police say Specht was hired as an assistant coach in 2009 before becoming the varsity head coach. Court documents say Specht was promoted when the prior coach was relieved of his duties for inappropriately texting girls on the team.
Specht is being held in the Jefferson County Jail after making his first court appearance Thursday morning.
Specht plays for the American Basketball Association's Colorado Kings, where his nickname is "Wild Man."
Team owner Durrel Middleton said Specht has been suspended by the team pending the outcome of the investigation.
Middleton says he warns his players that their good works in the community are easily overshadowed if they get into trouble.
Specht played in four of the team's 24 games last year, Middleton said.
"Wesley Specht is a hard worker on and off the court," Middleton said. "Obviously this is a huge surprise to us."
Specht has previous arrests for charges including felony theft and driving while ability impaired. Jeffco Schools says employees are asked to disclose prior arrests and background checks are standard practice. Jeffco School says it is investigating Specht's circumstances.
http://i.imgur.com/08lxz.jpg
LAKEWOOD - 9Wants to Know has learned that Alameda High School girls basketball coach Wes Specht, who goes by the nickname "Wild Man," is suspected of sexually assaulting a child.
Specht, 26, was arrested Wednesday night, after Lakewood Police detectives learned he had been having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female student, police said.
Three other Jeffco Public Schools employees were placed on paid administrative leave Thursday. Jeffco Schools spokeswoman Lynn Setzer says the employees are being investigated because "it's been suggested they had knowledge of child abuse."
School employees are mandatory reporters under the law, meaning they must report suspected crimes against children.
Specht was arrested on a several child sex charges: sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust with a pattern and sexual exploitation of a child.
Court documents reviewed by 9Wants to Know indicate a months-long sexual relationship where Specht and a female student met for sex at a public park, his home and his parents' house.
An arrest affidavit says the relationship came to the attention of the school principal when a school secretary remarked that she couldn't believe Specht was still employed, given his relationship with the student, who the secretary said was very open about her relationship with the coach.
As a contract worker, Specht is not currently employed by the district because the basketball season is over.
Lakewood Police say Specht was hired as an assistant coach in 2009 before becoming the varsity head coach. Court documents say Specht was promoted when the prior coach was relieved of his duties for inappropriately texting girls on the team.
Specht is being held in the Jefferson County Jail after making his first court appearance Thursday morning.
Specht plays for the American Basketball Association's Colorado Kings, where his nickname is "Wild Man."
Team owner Durrel Middleton said Specht has been suspended by the team pending the outcome of the investigation.
Middleton says he warns his players that their good works in the community are easily overshadowed if they get into trouble.
Specht played in four of the team's 24 games last year, Middleton said.
"Wesley Specht is a hard worker on and off the court," Middleton said. "Obviously this is a huge surprise to us."
Specht has previous arrests for charges including felony theft and driving while ability impaired. Jeffco Schools says employees are asked to disclose prior arrests and background checks are standard practice. Jeffco School says it is investigating Specht's circumstances.