In early December 2021, the Manitou Springs Police Department began investigating a report of unlawful sexual assault on a child in 2009-2010 by a former teacher and soccer coach at the Manitou Springs High School.
The investigation led to an arrest warrant for the former teacher, Matthew Barton, 53, for six counts of the felony crime of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. Barton turned himself in at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center in the late evening of Jan. 10.
Barton left his job at MSHS in 2011.
MSPD will not release additional information regarding the arrest to hold this investigation to a high standard, and to protect the identity and rights of any victim(s) involved.
If any member of the public has any information on this case or Barton, call the MSPD at 685-5407.
The MSPD is encouraging parents to continue to maintain close relationships with their children so they can have discussions about situations like this. If you ever believe that a child was sexually assaulted, please reach out to your local law enforcement agency or contact Safe2Tell at safe2tell.org or 1-877-542-7233.