Harrison School District Two Statement - 05/20/21

COLORADO SPRINGS – In accordance with C.R.S. 22‐1‐130, Harrison School District Two is required by law to inform parents when a staff member has been charged with certain crimes. On Thursday, May 20, 2021, the district was notified by the Colorado Springs Police Department that Mr. Joshua Silverthorn, PE Teacher at Monterey Elementary, was arrested. He is charged with Internet Exploitation of a Child, which is a Class 4 Felony. All citizens are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and at this time, no determinations have been made regarding the guilt or innocence of Mr. Silverthorn.

Harrison School District Two immediately placed Mr. Silverthorn on administrative leave, and as this is a personnel matter, it will be handled per district policy and state law.

Upon being hired, a full background check, including a Colorado Bureau of Investigation review and fingerprint submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation was conducted. The background checks for Mr. Silverthorn did not indicate any prior inappropriate behavior or criminal activity.

Harrison School District Two and Monterey Elementary will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement in this matter.

For information related to the arrest of Mr. Silverthorn, please contact Natashia Kerr, Senior Public Communications Specialist, Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7621.