Ski Instructor Accused of Sexually Assaulting 9-Year-Old Boy After Lying Next to Sleeping Child

## Ski Instructor Arrested for Alleged Molestation of Student on Group Trip

A ski instructor from Colorado has been arrested and is facing criminal charges after being accused of sexually assaulting a boy during a training trip to New Mexico. Jared Hedges, 48, from Frisco, Colo., was taken into custody by the Taos County Sheriff’s Office on March 22 on charges of criminal sexual penetration of a minor and criminal sexual contact.

Authorities investigated a report of an alleged assault at the Taos Ski Valley, where it was revealed that a minor child had been the victim of sexual assault. Hedges, who has been a coach for Team Summit Colorado for approximately 20 years, was on a training trip with a group of ski students from Colorado at the time of the incident.

The victim’s family attorney, Jason Jordan, stated that Hedges was responsible for travel and sleeping arrangements during the trip. The incident came to light when the victim’s stepfather called 911 to report that his stepson had been allegedly molested by the ski instructor. The victim ran to his parents for help after the assault, which occurred while he and two other students were sleeping in a cabin.

Hedges was observed by witnesses to lie down next to the victim and commit inappropriate touching, court records reveal. The ski instructor tried to flee the scene by packing his bags upon learning that the victim had informed his parents about the assault. Hedges was subsequently arrested and released on a $10,000 bond, with a court date set for April 24.

Concerns have been raised by Jordan regarding the possibility of additional victims, given Hedges’ long tenure as a ski coach. U.S. SafeSport has temporarily suspended Hedges for alleged misconduct, and he is no longer employed by Team Summit Colorado. It remains unclear whether Hedges has secured legal representation to address the charges brought against him.

In a statement to the media, Jordan expressed deep apprehension about the potential for Hedges to have assaulted other children, citing the common pattern of repeat offenders in such cases. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

The disturbing nature of the allegations has prompted a wider conversation within the ski community about safeguarding measures and the protection of young athletes during training trips. The repercussions of this incident are likely to spark stricter protocols and oversight in such educational and sports programmes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As the legal process unfolds in the case against Jared Hedges, the focus remains on providing support to the victim and his family, while also ensuring that justice is served. The impact of such incidents on the individuals involved can be long-lasting, underscoring the importance of vigilance and accountability in all youth-oriented activities.

Overall, the allegations against the ski instructor shed light on the vulnerabilities that young athletes may face and highlight the critical need for stringent safeguards and supervision to protect them from harm. It serves as a stark reminder of the duty of care owed to minors in educational and sporting environments, and the imperative of swift and thorough action in response to any allegations of misconduct.