Parents react to accusations against teacher

a colorado springs teacher accused of a relationship with a former student. 30 year-old christopher markham was arrested and is facing a charge of sexual assault by a person in a position of trust. police got a tip about the alleged retionship with a student yesterday. markham was taken into custody this morning.. krdo newschannel 13’s greg miller is live at the high school where he taught when the alleged incident happened. markham was an english teacher here at vista ridge high before he transfered to an stetson elementary school at the end of december. a parent of one of his former students says markham was very popular … she’s floored by the charges. 1:02 Mr. Markham really made an impression on him, one of the nicest teachers, one of the most open teachers. but now, even as she looks at her son’s yearbook, angela west thinks christopher markham may have been a little too open with his students. 1:11 He knew about his personal life, he knew about his car, He knew what he drove, about his hospital stays. but she also says he was strict, 1:34 It pushed the kids to do more in his class. and at first, she didn’t think a student relationship was even possible. but now…she’s not so convinced. 2:24 The victim came to a close friend of my son’s and said that it was true today. And said she had the proof. d49 says markham was on adminsitrative leave, and not in any school, when he was arrested. those accusations came from an anonymous tip … from safe 2 tell, an anonymous reporting group, a division of the colorado attorney general’s office. 6:26 If we’ve put our faith in someone that’s there to educate kids it’s also our job to protect them. safe 2 tell started in colorado springs after columbine, and went statewide last year. while police say that tip led to this recent arrest… they pursue dozens of tips each week. 8:10 We see cases all the time highlighted in the media, no one knows it came from a Safe 2 Tell tip, because the law protects the bystander who reported. west doesn’t know what to think, as markham has not been convicted of anything. but she’s weary … since she has another son starting high school next year. Tell tip, because the law protects the bystander who reported. west doesn’t know what to think, as markham has not been convicted of anything. but she’s weary … since she has another son starting high school next year. d49 released a statement saying they’re cooperating with police and urge anyone to report suspicious activity immediately. in cs, gm, nc 13. pueblo county wants the