Former teacher at Centennial Christian school made students record child abuse sex material, affidavit says
Former teacher at Centennial Christian school made students record child abuse sex material, affidavit says Denver 7 Colorado News
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Former Teacher at Centennial Christian School Arrested for Sexual Abuse of Students
A former teacher at a Centennial Christian school has been arrested on multiple felony charges, including sexual assault on a child and sexual exploitation of a child. Christopher Ballard, 26, allegedly made students undress as punishment and coerced them into recording sexual abuse material for him. The arrest was made following an investigation by the Parker Police Department, prompted by reports from parents and founders of the Journey Academy.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Good Health and Well-being
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequalities
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life Below Water
- Life on Land
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Partnerships for the Goals
Background Information
- The Parker Police Department launched an investigation into Ballard’s actions after receiving reports from parents and founders of the Journey Academy, a Centennial Christian school.
- The academy describes itself as a school for the 21st century, aiming to help students discover their unique abilities to make a positive impact on the world.
- Ballard had been employed as a teacher at the academy since 2021 and was responsible for certain school activities for middle-aged children at least three times a week.
Details of the Case
- Parents at the academy contacted the police after accusing Ballard of inappropriately touching students, showing them pornography, and making them run naked as punishment.
- Initially, one parent doubted the allegations but later confirmed them after speaking with other students who had experienced similar incidents.
- During a phone conversation with the parent who reported the crime, Ballard admitted to engaging in inappropriate behavior with some students and disclosed specific details of his actions.
- Ballard confessed to showing pornographic material to the students and encouraging them to engage in inappropriate touching while exposing themselves to each other.
- He also admitted to endorsing the idea of using undressing as a form of punishment and sexually abusing students on multiple occasions.
Additional Disturbing Allegations
Further testimonies from students revealed even more disturbing actions by Ballard:
- Ballard would show boys pornography multiple times during the school year and offer them money, candy, and toys in exchange for exposing themselves to him.
- He would force students to play a game that involved inappropriate touching and would coerce them into recording child sexual abuse material for him.
- The students were afraid to report the incidents because they feared Ballard’s anger.
Call for Additional Victims to Come Forward
Authorities suspect that there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. Parents who believe their child may have been victimized are urged to contact the Parker Police Department or the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Contact Information
- Parker Police Detective Bev Wilson: 303-805-6561 or bwilson@parkerco.gov
- Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Detective Randy Allen: 303-784-7802 or rallen@dcsheriff.net
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, potential indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:
- Number of reported cases of sexual abuse and exploitation in educational institutions
- Number of convictions and legal actions taken against individuals involved in sexual abuse and exploitation
- Number of educational programs implemented to promote sustainable development and prevent violence in schools
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | – Number of educational programs implemented to promote sustainable development and prevent violence in schools |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | – Number of reported cases of sexual abuse and exploitation in educational institutions – Number of convictions and legal actions taken against individuals involved in sexual abuse and exploitation |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | – Number of reported cases of sexual abuse and exploitation in educational institutions – Number of convictions and legal actions taken against individuals involved in sexual abuse and exploitation |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: denver7.com
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