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Vail Christian HighSchool teacher accused of sexual assault on student

Steve LynnVail CorrespondentGlenwood Springs, CO Colorado

EDWARDS – A local high school teacher has been arrested for having an “an inappropriate sexual relationship” with a female student, according to the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office.John “Jamie” Allen, 27, of Edwards, was arrested Friday on suspicion of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, a felony, the Sheriff’s Office said. Allen taught theology and coached girls’ soccer and volleyball at Vail Christian High School in Edwards. The student wanted to end her relationship with Allen, so she tried to send him an e-mail saying so, said Lt. Mike McWilliam of the Sheriff’s Office. A Florida man who had a similar e-mail address to Allen’s got the e-mail instead and reported it to police, McWilliam said. Investigators interviewed the girl about the relationship Thursday night and got a warrant for Allen’s arrest Friday. Hermosa Beach Police arrested Allen at his father’s house in Hermosa Beach, Calif., Friday night, the Sheriff’s Office said. Allen sent a letter of resignation to Vail Christian late Thursday night, according to an e-mail written by Vail Christian administrators to parents. Monday, Vail Christian planned to have a team of pastors, counselors and a licensed therapist available to discuss the situation with students, according to the e-mail.”Our highest concern is the continued care and the well-being of the students at Vail Christian,” the e-mail said. The student, her parents and Vail Christian High School administrators were cooperative with authorities in closing the case, the Sheriff’s Office said. Investigators believe there was only one student involved, the Sheriff’s Office said. Allen is being held on a $15,000 bond at the Los Angeles County Jail and will be arraigned later this week. The girl’s family plans to pay Allen’s bond so that he can appear in court Wednesday, McWilliam said. Staff Writer Steve Lynn can be reached at 748-2931 or slynn@vaildaily.com.


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