Pueblo West High School teacher charged with child sex crimes.

A science teacher at Pueblo West High School has been formally charged of multiple child sex crimes.

Francis Weber, 50, has been charged with several crimes, including sexual exploitation of a child, sexual assault by one in a position of trust, unlawful sexual contact, and illegal possession of wildlife.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by KRDO NewsChannel 13, Weber videotaped himself touching himself and a victim, who was sleeping on his couch. Deputies said the victim did not know about the incident and appeared to have slept through it.

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation does not appear to involve any students in the Pueblo County School District.

“We know that this issue does not involve a student of the school district. And we now have this individual on administrative leave,” said Superintendent Ed Smith.

Smith said Weber has been a science teacher at Pueblo West High School for at least seven years. Weber was placed on paid administrative leave on Sept. 30 and then arrested on Monday. KRDO NewsChannel 13 asked Smith why Weber was placed on paid leave a week before he was arrested.

“The sheriff’s department alerted us that they were investigating this individual for a criminal offense of some sort. They weren’t specific,” Smith said.

Smith said once the district learned Weber was under investigation, he was placed on leave.

Weber’s bond is set at $150,000. He does not have a prior criminal history.

His next court date is November 19.