Former Pikes Peak State College professor faces 77 counts of sexual assault on minor student
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) has arrested a 48-year-old former Pikes Peak State College professor for an alleged sexual relationship with a minor student.
EPSO said an investigation into Jason Gunderson began on Feb. 17 after receiving a call regarding inappropriate sexual contact between an adult male teacher employed at Pikes Peak State College and a minor.
According to law enforcement, an investigation into Gunderson found that he had a sexual relationship with a minor student for more than a year. EPSO said Gunderson used his position as a professor and his ties to the community to manipulate the victim into the relationship.
EPSO said this included "promising the victim a prestigious internship, providing special attention, and manipulating the grading system to ensure the victim received high exam scores."
According to the arrest affidavit, it started as a typical student-teacher relationship. The 16-year-old student would stay after class, asking more questions in the fall of 2023, and then reportedly, it slowly became criminal.
In 2024, records show Gunderson invited his 16-year-old victim to hang out outside of school, then he began asking her sexual questions.
Sheriff's deputies say that pattern continued until Gunderson was sexually assaulting her 3-4 times a week by the time she was 17, allegedly telling the victim multiple times, "I love you so much I'd sacrifice my freedom for you."
Along with telling her how he'd make sure she got a prestigious internship and, as the El Paso County Sheriff's office put it, provided her special attention, and ensured the victim scored high on tests.
When it got to the point where the victim wanted to leave the relationship, the sheriff's office said Gunderson told her that he wouldn't mentor or help her in class anymore.
At the very end of the arrest affidavit, the sheriff's office writes that because of the manipulation tactics outlined in these arresting documents, the sheriff's office pushed for an elevated bond, saying, "it is reasonable to believe [this] is not his first victim."
Gunderson was arrested on March 27 for 77 counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust and is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to EPSO.
Pikes Peak State College sent the following statement confirming that Gunderson has not been employed at the college since June 2025.
Pikes Peak State College is aware of the arrest of a former employee who has not been employed at the institution since June, 2025.
The College takes this matter seriously and is cooperating with law enforcement. We are unable to comment further. Questions regarding the case should be directed to law enforcement.
We remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for students and employees across our campuses.
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