Teacher Arrested for Sex with Student

(Glenwood Springs, Colorado) A 32-year-old English teacher at Elizabeth High School, Darcie Esson, was arrested Monday for allegedly engaging in sex with a 17-year-old student who is on the school football team.

Esson was booked on a felony charge of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust. Her bond was set at $25,000.

The sex allegedly occurred in a hotel room in Glenwood Springs where the boy was to play in a high school football playoff game. Along in the hotel room with Esson, who is going through a divorce, were her two children, 4 and 8, and a babysitter. The three kids were believed to be asleep when the student entered the room in the early morning hours to have sex with Esson.

It is alleged, however, that the babysitter saw the boy enter the room and that she also found a used condom on the floor of the bathroom the following morning.

Authorities were alerted when the 17-year-old student bragged about his relationship. After data were gathered from the boy's calls and text messages to Esson indicating he had contacted her at least 120 times, the boy confessed to the relationship.

Elizabeth School District Superintendent Bob Neel believes there is sufficient evidence to fire Esson but the decision will have to be made by Principal James Trevino.

A court date has been scheduled for December 29 in Glenwood Springs District Court.

Tips: Jason Cann and Don Morgenstern


[Update 12/29/06]

Esson retains high-profile lawyer.


[Update 05/18/07]

Esson faces more charges.


[Update 06/20/07]

Esson pleads guilty.