A physical education teacher at Basalt High School was booked Thursday on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student.
Fox31 reports that Lauren Redfern, 25, turned herself in to the Eagle County Detention Center and was charged with sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust with a pattern of sexual abuse.
Redfern herself graduated from Basalt High School in 2004 and played for the basketball team. In 2010, the high school hired her to coach the girl's basketball team and be a gym teacher, according to Westword.
The Eagle County Sheriff's office says school officials reported an "unlawful sexual act" involving Redfern last Friday.
"The sexual acts between Redfern and the student are believed to have taken place over the duration of approximately 4 months. These sexual encounters took place at the residence of both Redfern and the victim in El Jebel," a press release from the Sheriff's office said.
According to Eagle County Undersheriff Mike McWilliam, the victim was 17 when the sexual contact began and is now 18. Both the victim and Redfern live in the El Jebel area, just over 22 miles outside of Aspen. McWilliam told the Glenwood Springs Post Independent that though initial interviews with the victim indicate that their relationship was consensual, it will not deter the Sheriff's Office from pressing charges against Redfern.
In Colorado, a 17-year-old can have consensual sexual relations with an adult as long as that person does not hold a position of trust, such as a teacher. However an 18-year-old can have sexual relations with an adult -- even if they're a teacher -- because 18-year-olds have adult standing, according to McWilliam.
Redfern is being held without bond, pending her appearance before a judge.
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