SHS and CMC teachers under investigation before death | Local news

The Fremont County Sheriff's Office is investigating allegations of sexual misconduct by Anderson Horne, a Salida High School teacher and adjunct professor at Colorado Mountain College.

This information comes from a joint press release from the Salida School District and the Salida Police Department sent at 5:00 p.m. on August 26.

The press release said Horne died on August 25.

Salida Police Chief Russ Johnson said the cause of death will not be released until an autopsy can be performed.

Johnson said the first report of misconduct by a former student was received by his department on Aug. 16, but because of the location of the incident, it was forwarded to Fremont County to conduct the investigation.

“We send out a joint press release to see if there is anyone else who needs to speak up and then refer them to victim support services,” he said.

No official charges have been filed against Horne. The press release states that the school district was aware of an investigation, but was not aware that it was Horne until today, August 26.

Since 2021 he has been teaching political science and microeconomics at the SHS.

CMC officials declined to comment on an ongoing investigation, but according to an article published in The Mail on November 3, 2023, Horne taught at CMC before joining SHS and also taught concurrent enrollment courses.

Shelley Schreiner, executive director of The Alliance, said that unlike law enforcement, The Alliance is not bound by jurisdictional restrictions and helps people from anywhere. Typically, their victims live in Chaffee, Northern Saguache and Western Fremont counties.

This event can evoke many feelings and emotions, even in people who have never experienced sexual assault, Schreiner said.

“This is a community trauma, this is not a trauma that only the victim experiences… This person was very involved in the community, well known. He was a trusted adult for many people. Even people who are not his main victims – everyone can still have many feelings that they are struggling with. That is completely normal, we are here for them too.”

If you or someone you know is struggling to respond to these events, needs support or

“If someone just wants to process their thoughts and feelings, the Alliance is there to help,” Schreiner said in a written statement. All services are confidential and free. To speak with an advocate, call 719-539-7347 or visit AllianceChaffee.org online.

The joint press release also included additional contact information: Salida Schools School Resource Officer Bri Tucker: 719-207-3302

Salida Police Department: 719-539-6880

Sol Vista in Salida: 719-539-6502

Chaffee County Department of Social Services: 719-530-2500

Resources are available for staff and students to support their mental health.

For more information about the Fremont County Sheriff's investigation, please contact the Fremont County Sheriff's Office at 719-784-3411.

The Mail is attempting to contact the Fremont County Sheriff's Office and will update this story as needed.