GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — A former Palisade High School teacher and band director has recently been arrested on accusations of violating Title IX by sexually harassing a former student.
46-year-old Jeff Mason resigned after being accused of several instances of sexual assault during his time as a band teacher at Palisade High School. Mason is now accused of attempting to influence a public servant and two counts of first-degree official misconduct.
The Title IX investigation earlier this summer suggests several cases of inappropriate behavior between Mason towards a former student, including but not limited to:
- Giving her unwanted, long hugs
- Visiting her home without her parents’ knowledge
- Lying on a hotel bed with his legs wrapped around her during a school trip
- Giving her rides in his personal vehicle
- Buying her gifts and food
- Attempting to rub her th
Investigators allegedly found 686 text messages between the two and accounted for roughly $1000 in gifts, a significant difference from the $200 Mason said he spent. That money does not include several lunches and snacks that Mason allegedly bought the student.
