A public defender from Colorado Springs is under investigation for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor. Authorities report that Thomas Cushing started sending inappropriate messages to a minor on Discord earlier this year.
The Colorado Springs Police Department became aware of this incident on November 1.
Authorities indicate that the two individuals met face-to-face and formed a connection, which her parents eventually discovered and reported. The CSPD issued an arrest warrant for Cushing on November 22, leading to his arrest the following day, November 23. He has been taken into custody at the El Paso County Jail.
Documents acquired by News5 reveal that the minor skipped school on multiple occasions to meet with the 26-year-old lawyer.
Their message records show she claimed to be 18 years old, yet she is actually 14 years old. Her name will remain confidential because of her age.
In May 2023, Governor Jared Polis enacted legislation known as “Riley’s Law,” designated as SB 23-075, in Colorado. The legislation aims to safeguard the identities of minors who are victims of crime.
The upcoming hearing for Cushing is scheduled for January.
The authorities suspect that additional victims could be involved in this situation.