The former Jeffco Public Schools psychologist had “multiple types of drugs” when allegedly contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to Jeffco Public Schools.

The Lakewood Police Department arrested 38-year-old James Michael Chevrier on May 13 on suspicion of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, soliciting for child prostitution, two counts of possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to a news release from the Lakewood Police Department.

Chevrier was a psychologist at Green Mountain High School and Bear Creek High School prior to his arrest. He also worked at Evergreen High School between 2022 and 2023 and the Cherry Creek School District between 2021 and 2022.

He graduated with a doctor of psychology degree from the University of Colorado Denver in 2022. He also worked as an intern at Cherokee Trail High School and Holly Hills Elementary in the Cherry Creek School District in 2021, but he was not offered a full-time position, according to hiring records obtained by The Denver Gazette. 

While Chevrier’s arrest affidavit is currently sealed, Jeffco Public Schools sent a letter to Green Mountain High School parents on Tuesday, stating that the suspect is in the Jefferson County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond, awaiting a preliminary hearing on June 11.

“We can confirm that multiple types of drugs were involved, and that ketamine was found in his possession at the time of arrest. We can also share that incidents occurred both on and off school property,” the district said.

The specifics of the incident have not been released, but the Lakewood Police Department said the alleged assault included a student less than 15-years-old.

If released, Chevrier would be required to wear a GPS tracker and would not be allowed on any Jeffco Public Schools property, according to the email.

“If he violates these conditions, his bond could be revoked,” the district said.

No other staff members were said to be a part of the case, but one staff member was put on administrative leave as a witness, according to the email.

The arrest marks the sixth related incident in Jefferson County Public Schools since the end of 2023, including a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigation into David Weiss, the school district’s chief of schools, that involved possession of child sexual assault material in December.

Weiss was found dead in Maryland weeks after he was terminated following the criminal investigation. Authorities ruled his death a suicide.

In April, parents from a group called Jeffco Kids First claimed it uncovered 26 total cases of sexual abuse, misconduct, grooming, hiring, firing and reporting issues since 2022 in the district.

In the email following Chevrier’s arrest, the school district said it continues to do background checks and investigations before hiring new staff members. 

This includes background checks with Colorado Bureau of Investigation for hiring and licensure, trainings, including one with Colorado School Safety Resource Center for Adult Sexual Misconduct and additional training for all employees around mandatory reporting, child abuse and neglect and Title IX, the district said.

“As parents and educators, we take very seriously the privilege and responsibility to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for our staff, students and families,” the district said. “We will continue working with Lakewood PD to share information about the alleged crimes to ensure justice for Jeffco students.”