Colorado Springs public defender arrested for sexual assault on a child, Police believe there could be more victims
Update 12/6/2024 8:55 a.m.: Colorado Springs Police Department says it is believed there may be additional victims and/or witnesses to this investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7687) or 1-800-222-8477.
"There's a lot of stigma around being a victim in this type of crime. But our approach is very victim-centered. We really go with a trauma-based approach where we focus on really helping that person connect with important resources that they may need to work through this process," Ira Cronin, a spokesperson for Colorado Springs Police said.
Colorado Springs Police could not tell KRDO13 why they think there could be more victims, nor could they share how many victims they think are out there.
"When someone has been victimized, finding justice, yes, that's part of the equation, but also being able to process through, and deal with the trauma is something else that our victim advocates unit really helps the victims of these types of crimes with," Cronin said.
KRDO13 reached out to Cushing's legal council, they offered no comment.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A Colorado Springs public defender was arrested for sexual assault on a child, according to court documents.
An arrest affidavit for Thomas William Anderson Cushing, 26, says he communicated with the 14-year-old child over Discord, an instant messaging service.
According to records, Cushing asked the victim if they were at least 18 years old, and the victim replied, "Yeah I'm 18 born in 2006 lol."
However, police believe Cushing allegedly picked the victim up from school, and one officer noted the alleged victim "had more childlike features" and a higher-pitched voice.
Cushing reportedly told the child that his job was very important and "classified work."
The arrest affidavit indicates that police believe Cushing and the child met up in October, allegedly beginning a sexual relationship.
Records show Cushing continued to message the child on Nov. 4 and 18, but the child did not respond.
The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender says Cushing resigned on Nov. 22, which is the same day his arrest affidavit was signed. He posted bond and was released on Nov. 23.
