Roberto Rodriguez's conviction: A warning to groping coaches everywhere

In recent months, two high school coaches -- Broomfield's Trevor Masse and Longmont's Alex Tinsley -- have been busted on suspicion of inappropriate sexual contact with students. So the five-year sentence handed to Roberto Rodriguez, a middle-school soccer coach, for doing pretty much the same thing, should sound a cautionary...

By Michael Roberts

July 6, 2010

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In recent months, two high school coaches -- Broomfield's Trevor Masse and Longmont's Alex Tinsley -- have been busted on suspicion of inappropriate sexual contact with students. So the five-year sentence handed to Roberto Rodriguez, a middle-school soccer coach, for doing pretty much the same thing, should sound a cautionary note. Look below for details from the Denver DA's Office:

FORMER SCHOOL WORKER SENTENCED IN SEXUAL ASSAULT

A 32-year-old middle school worker who pleaded guilty in April to attempted sexual assault on a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor has been sentenced today.

Roberto Rodriguez (DOB: 09-03-77) was sentenced to 5 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections by Denver District Court Judge Martin Egelhoff.

Rodriguez, a para-professional, worked in a school library and as a girls soccer coach; he was in a position of trust when he had an ongoing sexual relationship with a 14-year-old female student that began in December of 2008. Denver Deputy District Attorney Sunny Funk cited these facts and a number of other aggravating factors in arguing for a sentence closer to the maximum of 16 years.

Rodriguez was remanded into the custody of the Colorado Department of Corrections and was taken from the courtroom to begin serving his 5-year sentence.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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