Youth hockey coach arrested for child sex crimes; detectives seek additional victims

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- A 40-year-old employee at South Suburban Sports Complex in Highlands Ranch has been arrested after law enforcement received a tip that he was engaging in inappropriate behavior with minors.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Rory Nathaniel Mushlin from Colorado Springs had been a hockey coach since January 2023. Investigators say his team practiced at the Parker Field House and the Family Sports Center in Arapahoe County.

Law enforcement says multiple underage victims have been identified. Due to the suspect's coaching position and regular interaction with youth sports programs, investigators say they are searching for other potential victims.

Anyone with information or parents who believe their child had contact with the suspect under concerning circumstances is asked to contact Detective Clay at sclay@dcsheriff.net.

Mushlin is being held on a $75,000 bond facing the following charges:

• Suspicion of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust
• Unlawful electronic sexual communication – person of trust
• Obscenity
• Internet sexual exploitation of a child

According to an affidavit obtained by KRDO13, Mushlin allegedly would add victims on Snapchat, often without their parents' knowledge. Victims told investigators that Mushlin would buy them gifts and take them to dinner and to Avalanche games.

The victims told police that Mushlin would grab their thighs and posterior and would also send them pictures of girls in bikinis. The affidavit goes on to say Mushlin allegedly encouraged the victims to talk to him about sexual topics.

Police say Mushlin admitted to sending one victim pornography but denied sending nude photos or grabbing victims inappropriately.

South Suburban Sports Complex released the following statement to KRDO13:

South Suburban Parks and Recreation District is aware of the situation and is cooperating fully with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office as it conducts its investigation. We encourage anyone with additional information related to this matter to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office directly.

Rory is the Ice and Facility Manager for South Suburban Parks and Recreation. He does not serve as a coach for any South Suburban youth or adult hockey teams. In his role, he is responsible for ice maintenance operations, facility maintenance, as well as facility scheduling. South Suburban does conduct background checks on every employee, and the organization has never had any disciplinary actions against him.

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