Teacher accused of sexual exploitation of child

A physical education teacher at Sierra Elementary School in Arvada is accused of sexual exploitation of a child.

Lucas Cole Young was booked into the Boulder County Jail Wednesday and is due in court at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

The principal of Sierra Elementary School sent a letter to families, that said, in part:

"I have some alarming information to share with you... We have learned that Mr. Lucas Young, Sierra’s PE teacher, has been arrested by Lafayette Police Department on three counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

"We take student safety extremely seriously, therefore we took immediate action. Mr. Young has been on administrative leave since we were first notified of the situation on December 17, 2015. He was placed on leave and allowed no contact with students.

"Since this is an on-going investigation we cannot share any detailed information, however, as of now no Sierra students are involved."

"If a condition of his bond prohibits contact with children he will be shifted to unpaid leave," said Diana M. Wilson, Chief Communications Officer with Jefferson County Public Schools. "[We] are deeply saddened and disappointed that a teacher in our district faces these charges."

According to a 50-page incident report, police began investigating Young when he told them child pornography images accidentally popped un his computer. Further investigation revealed that there were images on both his personal email and his district issued computer.

Young has worked various jobs in the Jefferson County School District since 1995.

According to Wilson, Young has held the following positions:

• Substitute teacher: 1995-2000
• Campus Supervisor: 1998-1999
• Cross Country Coach: 1998 season
• Track Assistant Coach: 1999 season
• Teacher: 2000 to current

Young was also a swim teacher at the recreation center in Lafayette and once he was being investigated, the staff there stopped him from teaching.

Young is on administrative leave without pay and if he is convicted the district will fire him. We are working to obtain the arrest report and mug shot of Young.