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High School Security Specialist Arrested For Alleged Sex Assault

PARKER, Colo. (CBS4) - A high school security specialist has been arrested on suspicion of a sex assault that happened at Ponderosa High School in Parker.

According to a press release from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, detectives interviewed the victim and determined there was enough probable cause to make an arrest.

ponderosa high school
Ponderosa High School (credit: CBS)

Gary Postell, 49, a Douglas County School District Campus security specialist, was taken into custody at his home in Castle Rock. He was booked on suspicion of sex assault on a child by one in a position of trust. He is being held without bond.

Douglas County Schools says Postell has been at the school since September 2014. He is on leave without pay.

Statement From Ponderosa High School Principal To Families

Dear Ponderosa Families,

I am writing to share information regarding one of our staff members.

A member of the Ponderosa security team is being investigated for an alleged inappropriate act with one of our students. We are working closely with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office as they investigate this allegation. The staff member will not be allowed back at Ponderosa, pending the results of the investigation.

We do not tolerate inappropriate staff conduct towards our students and we take this matter seriously. We cannot discuss the specifics of an incident or disciplinary action that may be taken due to privacy laws and the law enforcement investigation.

I understand as a parent how concerning this is and I am concerned as well. Please know that we strive to maintain a safe learning environment for our students.

I am including the Douglas County Sheriff's Office press release below. Please contact me or any administrator if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

David Haggerty
Principal
Ponderosa High School

Statement From The Douglas County School District

"This allegation is certainly concerning and we take any reports of this nature seriously. Douglas County School District does not tolerate inappropriate staff conduct towards our students. Due to privacy laws and the law enforcement investigation surrounding this allegation, we are unable to discuss this matter specifically.

However, if we receive allegations of this nature, we immediately contact law enforcement, begin our own investigation and possibly place the staff member on administrative leave during the investigation. We do not condone any inappropriate staff conduct, and we cooperate fully with our law enforcement partners."

- Paula Hans, DCSD Public Information Officer

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