A felony summons has been issued for a Mesa County special needs teacher after investigators say there was a child abuse incident at Redlands Middle School in January.
Kent Clinkingbeard, a 58-year-old of Whitewater, is accused of third-degree assault of an at-risk person — a Class 6 felony — as well as child abuse, second-degree criminal tampering and harassment, the county sheriff’s office said.
Felony Summons issued for local teacher for child abuse releated charges
— Mesa County Sheriff (@SheriffMesaColo)
Authorities say the charges stem from an incident that happened on or about Jan. 25. Details on the case have not been released.
“We can’t get into identifying the victim, but the incident did happen at a school and the (suspect) is a teacher,” said Megan Terlecky, a Mesa County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman. “As far as injury goes, it was enough to warrant an investigation. The charges kind of reflect the severity of the injury.”
Mesa County Valley School District 51 says Clinkingbeard has been placed on administrative leave.
“The allegations against Mr. Clinkingbeard are serious and, if true, would be grounds for dismissal,” the district said in a news release. “However, dismissal of a teacher is governed by special statutes in Colorado law. The law does not permit the District to dismiss or withhold pay from a teacher without following a series of due process procedures, including notice and an opportunity for a hearing. ”
Clinkingbeard’s employment status, however, is under review.
Clinkingbeard was hired by the Mesa County Valley School District on Aug. 14, 2001. He worked as a special needs teacher at Fruita Monument High School from August 2001 through May 2011. He transferred to a similar position at Redlands Middle School in August 2011.
The summons orders Clinkingbeard to appear in court in April. His lawyer could not immediately be reached.
