Information regarding the arrest of Martin Spritzer

June 27, 2024
Hello Garfield Re-2 Families,
We have some news that we need to share with you.

On the evening of June 26, 2024, the Garfield Re-2 School District was made aware that former substitute teacher Martin Spritzer was arrested and charged with:

• 2 Counts of Sexual Assault on a Child while in a position of trust/ victim under 15, a class 3 Felony
• 2 Counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact, a class 1 Misdemeanor

Mr. Spritzer was hired by the Garfield Re-2 School District as a substitute teacher on August 31, 2022. During his tenure in the Garfield Re-2 School District, he worked only at Rifle Middle School and Rifle High School.

On May 2, 2024, the District received allegations of inappropriate conduct by the substitute teacher. The District promptly initiated an investigation, notified parents, and reported the allegations to the appropriate authorities. Of note, the former substitute teacher never returned to the classroom in the District after May 2, 2024, and is no longer an active substitute teacher with the District.

Garfield Re-2 knows that you trust your children with us every day. Our district follows all Federal and State laws and applicable School Board Policies in our hiring process.  All employees must complete a criminal background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and all substitute teachers must have a valid and active authorization with the Colorado Department of Education, including a secondary background check. The former substitute teacher was subjected to these processes upon hire, and no relevant adverse information was revealed.

We know that this is difficult information to hear and that as parents and guardians you trust the school district with your child’s safety. 

Garfield Re-2 is fully cooperating with local law enforcement in this investigation. We encourage our families that if you have any information related to this case, to call 970-625-8095 and ask to speak with Detective Haley Crow. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can use the tip form at http://tinyurl.com/RPDtips. The information above is the most we can share regarding this situation.

All suspects are considered innocent until adjudicated guilty in a court of law.

Sincerely,

Heather Grumley, Superintendent        Britton Fletchall, President Garfield Re-2 School Board