Former Stratton Meadows Elementary School teacher arrested for sexual assault of a child
Celeste Springer
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) says they are seeking information after a former Stratton Meadows Elementary School teacher was arrested for sexual assault on a child. Police say they think there could be other victims.
Matthew Gogan, age 66, faces two counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust.
According to Harrison School District 2, Gogan was employed at Stratton Meadows from August 6, 2018, to May 22, 2020.
The police department says they began investigating back in April when someone reported information about an alleged sexual assault, which they said happened five years ago. As they were investigating, CSPD says they contacted another victim who had previously made a report about Gogan.
It’s unclear if the two were students at Stratton Meadows Elementary School, or if Gogan was their teacher.
The police department says he was arrested on June 12.
Gogan has since posted bond and is out of the El Paso County Jail.
Police say they believe there could be other victims out there.
“Through this investigation, again, we had that additional victim, already. We think that there potentially could be other victims, whether they were students or just other people in Mr. Gogan’s life. We’d love to hear about their experience with him, and any potential interactions they had with him so we can determine if additional crimes have taken place,” urged CSPD spokesperson Caitlin Ford.
Ford tells KRDO13 it’s important for potential victims to come forward when they’re ready, even if it is years after the incident.
“Sometimes the victim might not be ready to come forward immediately after an assault has taken place. And so we definitely want to remind victims that the police are here for you. Regardless of whenever you’re ready to report that, we’re prepared to investigate things that may have happened years and years ago. We want you to come in and report that, even if you feel like it’s happened so long ago. Why should I come to report it? Please do,” explained Ford.
If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of Gogan, please contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000 or the Pikes Peak Area Crimes Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867).
“Our Crimes Against Children unit and all of our detectives in the Special Victims section are very intelligent and very prepared to investigate these types of crimes, as well as our victim advocacy unit. They’re integral in these things as far as providing resources and being able to help victims through not only the reporting process, but also the rest of the legal process, court and things like that. There are a lot of resources for you if you come forward and report things, as well as, then being able to hold these offenders accountable,” said CSPD spokesperson Caitlin Ford.