DENVER (KDVR) — The Westminster Police Department arrested a school administrator and head football coach of Mountain Range High School on investigation of three charges related to child exploitation on Monday afternoon.
Tate Drane, 27, is currently under investigation for sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, internet sexual exploitation of a child and internet luring of a child. Drane was placed on administrative leave and will not work or coach in the district until further notice, the Adams 12 Five Star Schools told parents Monday.
Drane began working at the district in the fall of 2018. Since then, Drane worked as:
- Physical education teacher at Rocky Top Middle School from Aug. 11, 2021, through July 31, 2023
- Dean of Students at Mountain Range High School since Aug. 1, 2024
- Assistant football coach at Thornton High School for the 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 season
- Head girls basketball coach at Thornton High School for the 2021-22 season
- Head girls basketball coach at Mountain Range High School for the 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons
- Head football coach at Thornton High School for the 2024-25 season
The Westminster police said there were several Safe2Tell reports made over the weekend that alleged Drane had sent inappropriate photos to an underage student. Safe2Tell is an anonymous reporting site under the Colorado Attorney General's Office that allows students to report concerns via an app or website.
The Adams 12 school district shared ways for parents or guardians to connect with their children and discuss difficult topics like sexual assault. The district recommended that guardians:
- Create a safe space for the child(ren) to talk
- Listen to the child(ren) talk freely and follow up on concerning points
- Reassure the child(ren) so they know they're not in trouble
- Recognize signs of grooming and sexual abuse: Crossing physical boundaries, giving special gifts, isolating the child from others and changes in the child's behavior, including regression and unexplained changes in hygiene or mood
- Report any concerns: In Adams 12, the Title IX/Non-Discrimination Coordinator is Megan Brooks. Any criminal concerns should be reported to the police.
Drane's conduct is under investigation. Anyone with information on this case should call the Westminster Police Department at 303-658-4360.
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