Parker police say teacher may have more victims

Parker police say a teacher arrested last week on 22 felony charges including sexual assault acknowledged to a parent that he “engaged inappropriately” with students, and they warn their could be more victims.

Christopher John Ballard, 26, was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, sexual exploitation of a child, unlawful sexual contact and obscenity.

Parker police, with assistance from the Lakewood Police Department, executed a search warrant at his home in the 600 block of Alkire Street in Lakewood, according to a news release from the Parker Police Department.

Ballard started working as a teacher — referred to as a “guide” — with middle-school-age children at the Journey Academy in Centennial in May 2021 and was also known to visit Journey Life Center in southern Jefferson County.

A parent and owner of Journey Academy reported the suspected sexual abuse to Parker police on March 2.

Parker police said in the affidavit that Ballard confirmed to a parent that he “engaged inappropriately with a couple of (students)” and proceeded to describe his actions while speaking with that parent. Police said he admitted to sexually abusing and showing pornographic images to several students.

During the initial stage of this investigation, two additional victims were identified.

Officials believe Ballard has more victims. Anyone who thinks their child might have been a victim or who knows more information should contact Parker Detective Bev Wilson at 303-805-6561 or bwilson@parkerco.gov, or Douglas County sheriff’s Detective Randy Allen at 303-784-7802 or rallen@dcsheriff.net.