UCD prof to face contempt, sexual assault charges
By David Pollan
dpollan@mscd.edu

   UCD physics professor Mark Baertschy, who had gone missing after posting bail on sexual assault charges, was re-arrested April 13 for failing to comply with bond conditions after he was found camping in the Rainbow Lakes area.
   Baertschy was arrested March 31 and charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy over a two-year period after a Boulder County detective conducted a lengthy investigation into the relationship between Baertschy and the boy, according to Lt. Detective Phil West of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office. He was released from Boulder County Jail on April 1 after he posted bail.
   According to West, Baertschy had not been seen since his release from jail.
   As a condition of the bond, Baertschy was to schedule an appointment with Community Justice Services on the first workday following his release. He failed to comply and a warrant was issued “for contempt of court for failure to comply with bond conditions,” according to the news release.
   Baertschy’s red van was discovered April 12 by a member of the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group in the parking area near Rainbow Lakes. According to the news release, the person was able to see a telephone number on a receipt inside the vehicle. The number belonged to Baertschy’s father, who confirmed with the rescue member, that his son was missing.
   A search for Baertschy was launched at about 11:30 a.m. April 12 in the vicinity of the Rainbow Lakes area. Boulder County Sheriff’s deputies, Rocky Mountain Rescue, Indian Peaks Fire Department, Boulder City Water Shed and Front Range Rescue Dogs all participated in the search.
   According to West, Baertschy was found at 11:45 a.m. April 13, five miles south of where his vehicle was parked. Baertschy was camping and appeared to be in good health. Baertschy was placed under arrest and transported to the Boulder County Jail. He was released after posting bail again, West said.
   Baertschy was first associated with the alleged victim four years ago through Boulder County Partners, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and support services for troubled youths. Baertschy was a volunteer mentor with the organization.    According to police, Baertschy had allegedly engaged in “a pattern of progressively more intrusive sexual contacts” with the victim over the past two years.
   Rick Samson, president of the Boulder County Partners board, said Baertschy began mentoring for the organization four years ago. In his four years, Baertschy only mentored the alleged victim.
   According to Samson, Boulder County Partners were notified before the police report was filed and immediately terminated its partnership with Baertschy. Samson could not comment on who notified the organization.
   Baertschy was teaching two courses this semester, but was put on paid leave by UCD following his initial arrest.
   A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 2 p.m. April 20 at the Boulder County Jail, according to Ingrid Bakke, lead prosecutor for the Boulder County District Attorney’s office.
   Bakke said Baertschy will be formally charged with sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. The charge is a class three felony with a possible four to 12-year prison sentence. She also said additional charges will be filed, though she was not at liberty to disclose any information regarding the charges until after the hearing.