Arvada HS Band Volunteer Arrest For Alleged Sex With Student, 16

ARVADA, CO -- A part-time band instructor for Cherry Creek and Jefferson County school districts was arrested Wednesday for sexual assault of a 16-year-old student, the Jefferson Co. Sheriff's Department said. Geoffrey Adam Banninger, 23, was taken into custody for allegedly having sex with a 16-year-old female Eaglecrest High School student. He faces charges of sexual assault on a child by someone in a position of trust and serial sexual assault on a child.

Banninger, who has been terminated by the Cherry Creek School District, had also been a volunteer coach with the Arvada High School Band, the JeffCo sheriff's statement said.

Banninger admitted to investigators he and the student had a sexual relationship and that they had sex a number of times at his mother's home in the 12900 block of West 20th Street in unincorporated Golden, according to an arrest affidavit. The student told investigators she had a crush on Banninger and sent him music playlists, then they began to see each other outside of school in December, 2017. She told police Banninger would pick her up at her home and drive her to Golden, the affidavit said.

Cherry Creek School District sent the following letter to parents of Eaglecrest High school, which is located in Centennial:

Dear Parents/Guardians of students in Eaglecrest High School:

This letter is to inform you that a part-time band advisor at Eaglecrest High School has been arrested on suspicion of having inappropriate sexual contact with a student. The advisor, Geoffrey Banninger, was arrested Wednesday evening by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and his employment with the district has been terminated.
The Cherry Creek School District is cooperating with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in its investigation. Ensuring the safety and well-being of all students within Cherry Creek schools is our highest priority. Counselors and mental health workers will be made available for any students who have questions or need support.
The district would like to thank the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for its swift action in investigating this matter and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office for its handling of the initial investigation and support in facilitating the transfer of the investigation to Jefferson County. Strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies help ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff and families.
Anyone with information or related concerns should contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 303-271-0211.

Sincerely,

Carla Stearns
Executive Director of High Schools

Jefferson Public Schools, where Banninger had been a volunteer coach at Arvada High Schools, sent the following message to parents and guardians of band students:

Dear Arvada HS Band families,

We have learned that Mr. Geoffrey Banninger, one of our volunteer band coaches, has been arrested and charged with sex assault by a person in a positon of trust. The investigation is on-going, so information is limited at this time. However, it is our understanding that all victims have been identified and interviewed by law enforcement. It is also our understanding that law enforcement does not have an indication that there are additional victims.
Our school and district staff will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement. We do not have additional information available to us at this time but, we understand that the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office staff (303.277.0211 or https://www.jeffco.us/sheriff) will be providing more information about the incident later today.
It is with deep regret that we have to relay this news. School safety, ethical behavior, and a sense of community are strong values at our school.
Please contact me if you have questions,

Gina Rivas, Principal

The earliest record of Banninger volunteering at Arvada High School is June of 2015, said Diana Wilson, chief communications officer of Jeffco Schools.

"It's disappointing after we take such care and fingerprint volunteers and everything else," Wilson said. "It's disheartening, but we hope that doesn't discourage people from volunteering in our schools."

Banninger had his first court appearance on Feb. 8, and is being held on a $5000 bond, the sheriff's office said.

Image via Jefferson Co. Sheriff's Office