A science teacher at Everitt Middle School was ordered held in jail on $10,000 bail Monday after he was arrested on suspicion of sexual exploitation of a child, enticement of a child and unlawful sexual contact, Jefferson County authorities said.
Investigators arrested Marshall Adam Walker, 33, of Thornton in the school parking lot Friday while students who know him were in a general assembly, Jefferson County sheriff’s spokesman Jim Shires said.
The alleged incident occurred three years ago and involved one boy at a home in unincorporated Jefferson County that was owned by an acquaintance of Walker’s, Shires said. The boy’s age was not released.
Walker has taught science at the school in Wheat Ridge since 1998, a district spokeswoman said. He also coached boys basketball and took boys on hunting and fishing trips, Shires said.
Investigators were mindful to take Walker into custody out of sight from his students, Shires said.
“He was led to an unmarked law-enforcement car. He wasn’t handcuffed, and this took place while students were in a general assembly,” Shires said. “We know what it’s like for children to see something like that, especially someone that they look up to and may even respect as a teacher, and we don’t want to traumatize them.”
District officials said Walker has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
The arrest affidavit was sealed, and authorities would not talk specifically about the allegations.
Investigators are urging parents who know Walker and believe their children might be victims to call the sheriff’s tip line at 303-271-5612.
“You can easily say that he’s had a lot of contact with young boys,” Shires said.
Staff writer Manny Gonzales can be reached at 303-820-1537 or mgonzales@denverpost.com.
