Detectives say Pueblo West teacher engaged in sex acts, sent explicit messages to child
Editor's note: This story includes references to allegations of sexual assault of children that may be disturbing to some readers. Sexual assault resources for victims and their loved ones are available at the bottom of this story.
A former Pueblo West middle school teacher accused of sexual assault on a child allegedly sent sexually explicit messages and engaged in sexual acts with a student at his school, according to a heavily redacted arrest affidavit authored by the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office.
Following an investigation that began in November, PCSO detectives arrested Russell Davis, 48, on Jan. 12 on a no-bond warrant alleging sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, unlawful sexual contact, internet luring of a child, and enticement of a child.
Pueblo County School District 70 put Davis on administrative leave from his position at Skyview Middle School on Nov. 28 and he was terminated by the school district on Dec. 19.
According to the PCSO affidavit, there were at least two instances of "sexually explicit touching" by Davis in November, before the school’s Thanksgiving break, and investigators uncovered several sexually explicit messages. During those alleged sexual contacts, Davis would lock the door to his art classroom, according to statements in the affidavit.
One witness told detectives the relationship between the two had been going on since at least September 2023. The witness alleged that Davis and the child would frequently attend school sporting events together, sitting close to each other with their knees touching.
Facebook messages between the two obtained by the PCSO showed Davis sending inappropriate messages to the child on several occasions, including sexually explicit poetry, telling the child he wanted to "take their virginity" when they turned 18, and other sexual references.
The student allegedly received approximately 10 messages from Davis that were "sexual in nature," one of which was "very detailed" about Davis' desire to have sex with the child.
Davis would allegedly "use it against" the child when they had issues at home, telling them that he was "there for them" but "no one else is." He also allegedly asked the child to keep their "relationship" a secret, saying, "Don't tell them I was touching you or anything like that."
According to the affidavit, Davis also made several hand-drawn cards for the named victim, including a card with a red heart on the front. On the back of the card were the French words "La Douleur Exquisite," meaning "the exquisite pain."
When questioned by PCSO investigators, Davis initially downplayed his relationship with the named victim, claiming he was simply closer to some students than others. He denied having any kind of sexual contact with the student.
When asked about the cards, Davis denied sexual intent. He stated that the French text was a "poetic, romantic sort of nice saying," according to the affidavit. An investigator told Davis he had searched the saying online and learned it was about the "extreme pain of not being with someone." The investigator asked Davis if the card was referencing not being able to be with the student. Davis allegedly stammered before saying, "But you can't. So that's it," according to the affidavit.
When investigators asked Davis about other sexual messages he sent, he said they were "purely a fantasy and that's it," and denied any intention of actually "hooking up" with the child.
Davis is currently being held in the Pueblo County jail on a $75,000 bond. He first appeared in court Thursday morning in front of District Judge Amiel Markenson. His next scheduled court date is Jan. 25.
According to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, a person is sexually assaulted in the United States once every 68 seconds; once every nine minutes, that victim is a child.
To contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, call 800-656-HOPE (4673.)
For more resources for sexual assault survivors and their loved ones, visit rainn.org/national-resources-sexual-assault-survivors-and-their-loved-ones.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime.
Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter@jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: What we know about child sex assault claims against Pueblo West teacher
