Former Douglas County Teacher Sentenced, Families Seek Closure
A former Douglas County teacher pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and was sentenced on December 6, 2025 to 90 days in jail and 10 years of intensive supervised probation with electronic monitoring and restrictions. Prosecutors say indecent material was found on a laptop and investigators later recovered a large number of pornographic images on a USB drive, including child sexual abuse material and photos taken of students without their knowledge, a breach of trust that has shaken local families.
Christen Cassic, a former computer science teacher and soccer coach at Rock Canyon High School who previously served as an assistant coach at Legend High School, pleaded guilty on December 6 to sexual exploitation of a child. The court imposed a 90 day jail term followed by 10 years of intensive supervised probation that includes electronic monitoring and other restrictions.
The investigation began in January when a colleague discovered indecent material on a laptop. Prosecutors said investigators later recovered a large number of pornographic images on a USB drive, including child sexual abuse material and photographs taken of students without their knowledge. The details of how many students were affected were not released in court.
The 23rd Judicial District Attorney's Office said, "the sentence provides accountability and some measure of closure for affected families." Court records note that Cassic apologized in court. Beyond the criminal penalties, the case has underscored concerns about safety, trust and oversight in school settings.
For families and school communities in Douglas County this case raises immediate and longer term public health and social concerns. Students who may have been photographed without consent can experience trauma, anxiety and disruption to learning, which can require mental health support and school accommodations. Community trust in educators and extracurricular programs has been strained, particularly where adults held positions of authority and mentorship over young people.
The conviction also highlights gaps policymakers and school administrators may need to address around hiring practices, supervision of staff, digital device security and training on mandatory reporting. Parents and caregivers may ask about background checks, the monitoring of coaches and staff who work outside classrooms, and the availability of counseling services for students affected by abuse.
As the legal process moves into the probationary period, local leaders and school officials will face decisions about how to restore safety and support survivors while strengthening policies to prevent future abuse. The sentence concludes one stage of the case, while families and the community continue to seek healing and stronger safeguards for children.
