School district reaches $11.5M settlement with victims of former teacher who sexually assaulted students

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. -- (KDVR) -- The Cherry Creek School District has reached a $11.5 million settlement to five female victims of former Prairie Middle School teacher Brian Vasquez, the district said in a letter to parents on Monday.

Vasquez pleaded guilty to three sexual assaults on a child, criminal attempt to sexually exploit a minor and using the internet to sexually exploit a minor.

Vasquez, 35, was originally charged with eight felony counts for the alleged physical abuse and exchanging of nude photos with several students. Vasquez, who has taught seventh- and eighth-grade social studies at the Aurora school since August 2011, had been placed on administrative leave by Cherry Creek Schools before being fired.

Vasquez could face up to 40 years in prison per terms of the deal. He will be held without bond until sentencing on Friday.

The former principal and vice principal of Prairie Middle School are both still awaiting charges for the misdemeanor count of failure to report.