Drane Arrested: Accused of Exploiting Former Student
A wave of shock and concern has swept through the Mountain Range High School community in Westminster, Colorado, following the October 14, 2024 arrest of 27-year-old administrator and coach, Tate Drane. Drane faces serious allegations of sending explicit images and messages to a former student, who claims the inappropriate contact began years earlier.
Allegations of Inappropriate Contact and Exploitation
The charges against Drane stem from accusations of inappropriate interactions with a minor, a former student of his from Rocky Top Middle School. He allegedly sent explicit photos of himself to the underage female via Snapchat. The victim also alleges that Drane touched her inappropriately while she was his student assistant at Rocky Top Middle School. These allegations, if proven true, represent a grave breach of trust within the school community.
Drane’s Shifting Explanation and the Unfolding Investigation
Drane initially claimed his Snapchat account was hacked and the explicit photos were intended for his wife. He later admitted to sending the photos to both the student and his wife, raising questions about his credibility and motivations. Investigators are working to determine the veracity of his claims and the full extent of his alleged misconduct.
School District Response and Community Impact
The Adams 12 Five Star Schools district placed Drane on administrative leave immediately following his arrest. This swift action likely aims to protect students while the investigation unfolds. The incident has prompted broader discussions within the community about student safety, online safety, and the responsibility of schools to protect their students.
Charges Against Drane
Drane faces multiple charges, including:
- Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust: This charge relates to the alleged inappropriate physical contact with the student while she was a minor under his supervision.
- Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child: This charge pertains to the alleged distribution of explicit material online via Snapchat.
- Internet Luring of a Child: This charge suggests Drane may have used online platforms to initiate and maintain inappropriate contact with the minor.
Timeline of Events
- 2018: Drane begins employment with Adams 12 Five Star Schools.
- 2021-2023: Drane works at Rocky Top Middle School. Alleged inappropriate touching occurs during this time.
- August 1, 2024: Drane becomes Dean of Students at Mountain Range High School.
- October 14, 2024: Drane is arrested by the Westminster Police Department.
- October 17, 2024: Formal charges are filed against Drane by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office (Case Number 2024CR003231, Adams County District Court).
Who is Tate Drane?
Tate Drane, 27, served as Dean of Students at Mountain Range High School and previously worked as a P.E. teacher and coach at Rocky Top Middle School and Thornton High School. His various roles within the school district placed him in positions of authority and trust, making the allegations against him particularly concerning.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tate Drane |
| Age | 27 |
| Role at MRHS | Dean of Students |
| Previous Role | P.E. Teacher, Coach (Rocky Top & Thornton HS) |
| Date of Arrest | October 14, 2024 |
| Charges | See above |
| Current Status | On administrative leave |
How Did the Allegations Surface?
The allegations against Drane came to light through Safe2Tell, an anonymous tip line for reporting threats to school safety. The tip prompted an investigation by the Westminster Police Department, which led to Drane’s arrest. This case underscores the importance of Safe2Tell and the role it plays in protecting students. It also suggests that there may be other potential victims who have yet to come forward.
The Impact on Mountain Range High School
The incident has profoundly impacted Mountain Range High School. Students, staff, and parents are grappling with the breach of trust and the unsettling allegations. The school community is now faced with the challenging task of rebuilding trust and ensuring student safety. The long-term effects of this incident on the school’s environment and culture remain to be seen. The school district’s response, which includes providing support services to students and staff, will be key in navigating the healing process. The case could also lead to reviews of existing school policies and safety protocols.
It is important to remember that Drane is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The legal process will determine the outcome of the charges against him. However, the allegations alone have significantly disrupted the Mountain Range High School community and raised important questions about student safety and the responsibility of those in positions of trust. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for open communication within school communities.
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