Fountain area coach accused of sexual assault on a child

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office says a Fountain area coach was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old.

Lee Michael Thompson, 37, faces a charge of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of Trust and is being held at the the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center without bond.

Thompson reportedly assaulted the teen multiple times at different locations. Officials believe there may also be other victims.

The sheriff’s office says Thompson ran a martial-arts business out of his home. He also ran a promotional company called Bangahz Promotion, formerly known as Just Bang Muay Thai Events. The company promoted and ran tournaments for amateur fighters.

His wife posted on the company’s Facebook page that the next tournament, set for September is canceled.

Carlos Ibarra worked with Thompson several years ago at a gym in Colorado Springs.

“When I seen this, it was really a shock to me. I never knew he would be capable of something like this, I know he is just being accused, but for him to put himself in this situation, I would have never thought,” said Ibarra.

Ibarra said Thompson is well-known in the local boxing, kickboxing and MMA community.

“It’s crazy that this happened. He was a good guy in the community, you never hear bad things. Especially something like that,” said Ibarra.

Ibarra said Thompson worked with a lot of children.

“Always was willing to work with kids for some reason. Not a lot of adults would train with him,” said Ibarra.

Rachael Gilley sends her children to the same school where Thompson sends his children.

“It freaks me out,” said Gilley. “I don’t like it, I don’t like it at all. And knowing now where he is at, I think that’s where he needs to be. It’s not right.”

If anyone has more information about this case, please contact Detective Jennifer Vanderpool at 719-520-7231.