Police: Greeley Teacher Arrested For Sex Assault On A Child
GREELEY, Colo. (CBS4) - Greeley Police arrested a teacher for sex assault on a child after they discovered an inappropriate relationship between the woman and her former 13-year-old student.
Police arrested Katerina A. Bardos of Greeley on Thursday and charged her with sex assault on a child, sex assault on a child by a person in a position of trust and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, all felony charges.
During the investigation, police said they obtained information about a relationship between Bardos, 24, and the victim, that began when he was her student last year at Brentwood Middle School.
"It was clear the there was a relationship between this teacher and this child, the relationship did not appear to be usual," said Greeley Police Sgt. Joe Tymkowych.
Bardos moved to a different school in 2014 but continued the relationship until just prior to her arrest. Police said the relationship went on for nearly a year.
According to court documents, Bardos would go to the student's home to watch movies, she even let him stay at her apartment.
His parents told police they thought it was unusual but thought she was just trying to keep him out of trouble.
Bardos is currently employed at Frontier Academy Elementary.
Police initially began investigating after learning from a school resource officer that Bardos may have been giving the child marijuana.
"That information led us to interview more people and led us to interview the suspect, Bardos as well as the victim in this case," said Tymkowych.
The victim reportedly told police the two had sex on several occasions at her apartment, his parents home and in a car in the parking lot of the school.
Police said they have been conducting an investigation over the past three weeks that included search warrants that revealed evidence in Bardos' apartment and text messages on her cell phone.
Those who know Bardos are shocked.
"One of the kindest people I've ever met, she's been my mentor," said neighbor Allia Ashkanani.
Court documents show Bardos denied having a sexual relationship with the student.
Bardos remains in custody at the Weld County Jail and is being held pending an appearance in court.
