Fort Collins high school teacher charged with sexually assaulting student, police say there could be more victims

A Fort Collins high school teacher has been charged with sexually assaulting a student and police believe there could be more victims.

Brendan Gallagher, a 49-year-old teacher at Fossil Ridge High School, was arrested last week and charged with two felonies: unlawful sexual contact including coercing a child and sexual assault of a child by one in a position of trust, according to court records.

Gallagher taught at Fossil Ridge High from 2011 to 2024, according to a statement from the Poudre School District. School officials said he taught language arts, media production and leadership classes.

Another staff member reported Gallagher to the Department of Human Services in May after Gallagher told the staff member he had previously had an inappropriate relationship with a student, according to a news release from the Fort Collins Police Department.

The victim was a student in Gallagher’s class in 2015, police said.

Gallagher was put on administrative leave immediately after the school district received the initial allegations, police said in the release. Poudre School District officials said he resigned last year.

Investigators said Gallagher previously taught in Berthoud and they are concerned there may be more victims.

“We understand the impact this news may have on our community, and our priority remains the safety and well-being of our students,” Poudre School District officials said in a statement. “Counselors and support resources are available for students, staff and families who may need assistance.”