Editor’s note: It is the Post Independent’s policy to not name those accused of sex crimes unless they are a person of public trust such as a teacher, counselor, pastor or other similar positions. The person in this case is named because they held a position of public trust.

A former substitute teacher for the Garfield Re-2 School District was arrested on multiple sexual assault charges this week, an Re-2 news release states.

Martin Spritzer, 56, faces two felony counts of sexual assault on a child while in a position of trust/victim under 15 and two misdemeanor counts of unlawful sexual contact.

Spritzer was hired Aug. 31, 2022 as a substitute teacher for the Re-2 district at Rifle Middle School and Rifle High School, the release states.

“On May 2, 2024, the District received allegations of inappropriate conduct by the substitute teacher,” the release states. “The District promptly initiated an investigation, notified parents, and reported the allegations to the appropriate authorities. Of note, the former substitute teacher never returned to the classroom in the District after May 2, 2024, and is no longer an active substitute teacher with the District.”

Re-2 states that all federal and state laws are followed in the hiring process, including a criminal background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and requiring active authorization with the Colorado Department of Education, which conducts a secondary background check.

“The former substitute teacher was subjected to these processes upon hire, and no relevant adverse information was revealed,” the release states. “We know that this is difficult information to hear and that as parents and guardians you trust the school district with your child’s safety. Garfield Re-2 is fully cooperating with local law enforcement in this investigation.”

Anyone with information related to the case should call Det. Haley Crow at 970-625-8095. To submit a tip anonymously, go to http://tinyurl.com/RPDtips.