Mesa Ridge teacher facing child sex charges

Colorado Springs Police say a special education teacher at Mesa Ridge High School is facing charges of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust.

Roger Thomas French, Jr., 31, has resigned from his job at Mesa Ridge.

Police say this investigation began on the evening of Wednesday, January 8, 2014, when a school resource officer at Mesa Ridge notified the Colorado Springs Police Department about an allegation of an inappropriate relationship between French and a female student at the school.

A part of Widefield School District 3, Mesa Ridge is located in unincorporated El Paso County. Colorado Springs Police say they are investigating this case because the alleged assault happened inside city limits.

The Crimes Against Children Unit was called in and determined that there is probable cause to arrest French. No booking photo is currently available.

Mesa Ridge principal Kathi Mata sent a note to parents making them aware of the situation Thursday.