Watch CBS News

Colo. Springs Officer Allegedly Touched Wrestlers Inappropriately


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) - Police in Colorado Springs said Friday that there are at least five victims in their case against one of their own officers who allegedly had inappropriate contact with children.

Horace Mann Middle School
Horace Mann Middle School in Colorado Springs (credit: CBS)

Joshua Carrier, 30, is a seven year veteran of the force and had frequent contact with children as part of his job. He was a school resource officer and a volunteer wrestling coach at Horace Mann Middle School in Colorado Springs.

Last week Carrier was arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography. A subsequent investigation then indicated Carrier had unlawful sexual contact with multiple minors. He was arrested Thursday on new charges of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust.

The Colorado Spring Chief of Police Richard Myers made a statement on behalf of the police department Friday.

"Our organization is shocked by the alleged conduct," said Myers. "If the charges are substantiated, it will reflect on him alone."

The latest allegations stem from actions a student says happened at Horace Mann School in Colorado Springs.

Joshua-Carrier
Joshua Carrier (credit: Colorado Springs Police Dept.)

One of the wrestlers there told CBS4's television partner KKTV in Colorado Springs some of the contact happened when Carrier was checking the team for ringworm, a skin infection that's common among wrestlers.

"He would actually take us into his own office one by one and touch us and look at us and stuff," he said.

That wrestler's father also told KKTV the school told them the checkups would be done in the locker room, but that apparently wasn't what happened.

"I feel let down because the school is responsible to keep our kids safe," said the father, who says coming forward with the story is just the beginning. He said he and his family plan to do whatever it takes to make sure this never happens again.

In addition to his assignment with Horace Mann Middle School Carrier has been a coach with the Police Athletic League and a youth advisor in a program for teenagers interested in law enforcement.

Carrier remains on paid administrative leave but police said on Friday they will pursue a suspension without pay for Carrier. He was released on bond. Carrier is scheduled to appear in court on May 23.

Colorado Springs Police encourage anyone that has information about this investigation or believes their child is a victim to call investigators at (719) 444-7509. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime-Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867) or text CSPD to 847411 (TIP411) with the tip.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.