GOLDEN — The principal of a Jefferson County elementary school arrested on suspicion of was ordered held on $50,000 bond during a court hearing on Wednesday.
The county sheriff’s office says the alleged assaults happened more than 10 years ago and did not involve current or former students.
Steven Weigum, 55, who is the principal of Ute Meadows Elementary School in Ken Caryl, was arrested on suspicion of several counts, including aggravated incest and a pattern of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust.
Judge Mark Randall noted that “this was not a one-time incident,” based on an arrest affidavit.
“It’s concerning about the case, it’s concerning about how long this took place,” Randall said.
Randall barred Weigum from having further contact with anyone under 18 years old, as well as the alleged victim and her mother. The alleged victim was in the fourth or fifth grade when the assaults stopped, prosecutors said during the hearing.
Weigum appeared in court via teleconference during which he was clad in orange jail clothes and did not speak.
“The victim and her mother are very concerned about their safety” and potential retaliation, a prosecutor said during the hearing.
Court records in the case have been sealed.
“Although the investigation is in the preliminary stages, there is no indication that any child who previously or currently attends Ute Meadows Elementary are victims,” the sheriff’s office said.
Lisa Pinto, a spokeswoman for Jefferson County Public Schools, said Weigum was placed on administrative leave Tuesday.
Russel Carter, whose three children are students at the elementary school where Weigum is principal, said he attended Wednesday’s hearing out of concern for his children and in support of the community.
“It’s sickening,” he said. “A lot of things went through our minds immediately.”
School officials notified parents in an e-mail Tuesday that Weigum was placed on administrative leave, saying it was a “law enforcement matter.”
“I regret any disruption this may cause our community, but we will do our best to keep continuity in the classroom as we work through this matter,” an administrator wrote in the letter. “We will have a team of mental health professionals available at school tomorrow for students and staff as needed.”
Weigum is next due in court on Tuesday.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JesseAPaul
