AURORA, Colo. — Robert Combs, a longtime Career and Technical Education (CTE) engineering and technology teacher at Grandview High School, was arrested this week and charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts after allegations of an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former student that began in 2021 and continued through 2022.
According to court documents and local reporting, Combs, 54, faces five felony counts of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust and three misdemeanor counts of abuse of public trust by an educator.
The charges allege the relationship began after the student and Combs met through the school’s Technology Student Association (TSA) club, for which Combs served as an adviser.
The arrest affidavit describes events that allegedly began at a TSA overnight conference in Denver in February 2022, when Combs is accused of asking the underage student to return to his hotel room after other attendees had left.
The affidavit says Combs then kissed the student and “expressed romantic feelings.” Investigators say interactions between Combs and the student grew more frequent after that meeting and became sexual, with multiple alleged incidents occurring on school grounds and elsewhere between February and December 2022.
Investigators say they recovered electronic evidence during the probe, including Google Drive files and communications that document sexually explicit exchanges.
The affidavit also alleges Combs used his district email account for some of the communications and that a school security guard observed what appeared to be a couple-like interaction between Combs and the student in March 2022.
At the time, school officials followed up; the student initially denied any inappropriate conduct and described Combs as “like a father” to them, according to the affidavit.
The student later reconsidered and reported the incidents to the district in October 2025, prompting law-enforcement involvement.
Cherry Creek School District placed Combs on administrative leave after learning of the allegations on Oct. 23, 2025, and formally separated him from employment in mid-November 2025, the district told parents and guardians.
In a statement to families, the district said it is “in full cooperation with law enforcement as this case remains open” and reiterated that “the safety and security of our students and staff is our highest priority.”
Combs, who worked at Grandview High School since 2002, was arrested and has been booked in connection with the charges. Court records cited by local outlets show his bond was set at $50,000.
His next court appearance is scheduled for a pretrial hearing this Wednesday
At this stage, prosecutors have filed charges and an arrest has been made, but no conviction has been entered. That means Combs is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
If convicted on the felony counts, he would face serious criminal penalties under Colorado law; however, outcomes in sexual-assault cases depend on evidence, testimony, and the legal process.
The phrasing of the article’s headline, that Combs “could avoid prison pending trial,” reflects the current procedural reality. Until the courts determine guilt or innocence, any prison sentence remains a potential outcome, not a certainty.
The case has raised concern among parents and community members. Reports indicate the alleged misconduct exploited the teacher’s position of authority and the trust placed in school staff.
One parent wrote, “5 counts of sexual assault on a child and the bond is 50k, with him getting out on 5k. Lmao.”
Another Parent added, “If body cameras are required for police they should be required for teachers to hold them accountable as well. These relationships dont just spring up out of nowhere. There is grooming and inappropriate behavior leading up to everything being discovered. There are so many stories now of teachers sexually assaulting students now.”
Education experts and advocates repeatedly warn that adults in positions of trust must be held to strict boundaries to protect students; they also note the challenges victims can face in coming forward, including pressure, confusion and fear.
School officials say they are reviewing protocols and reminding staff and students about reporting procedures. The district urged anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement.
Aurora police and prosecutors will pursue the investigation and present evidence in court; prosecutors decide whether to move forward on each count based on that evidence.
For parents, students, and staff, the appearance of formal charges is likely to be distressing.
This case also underscores why schools maintain policies restricting staff contact with students outside of supervised activities and why advisers of student organizations are trained to maintain clear professional boundaries.
The TSA club, like similar extracurricular programs, often involves travel and overnight stays; district policies generally require chaperones, supervision, and clear reporting channels to reduce risk.
As proceedings continue, reporters and community members will watch for further developments: the arraignment, any pretrial motions, the presentation of evidence, and, ultimately, whether the case proceeds to trial or is resolved through other legal means.
For now, the arrest and formal charges mark the beginning of a legal process that will require careful review of evidence and respectful treatment of all parties involved.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Aurora Police or the Cherry Creek School District.
The district’s statement reiterated its cooperation with investigators and its commitment to student safety as the matter moves through the courts.
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