ALAMOSA — Luis “Enrique” Castillo, a 50-year-old former physical education teacher at Del Norte High School and resident of Alamosa, appeared in court on Tuesday morning related to accusations of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, a class three felony, and aggravated incest, also a class three felony. Castillo was employed at the high school until the days immediately following his arrest on Jan 25.
According to documents obtained from the court, on Jan. 6, the Alamosa Police Department became aware of a report of “cold assault” that had allegedly taken place 15 years ago involving a victim who was a child at the time. The incident had just recently become known to some members of the victim’s family.
Over the next two weeks, several interviews were conducted with members of the family and the victim, ultimately leading to Castillo’s arrest on Jan. 25.
Castillo was subsequently taken to the Alamosa County Detention Center, after which the judge set bond at $60,000. Castillo was later released on a surety bond of $20,000.
Prior to this incident, Castillo was working at Del Norte High School with the Upper Rio Grande School District C7. According to Superintendent Aaron Horrocks, he resigned from his position on Jan. 29.
“Though we were informed of Mr. Castillo’s arrest on January 25, 2024,” Horrocks told the Valley Courier, “we were not aware of the specific criminal charges filed against Mr. Castillo until [Tuesday].”
When asked why the district had not made any statement since the time of Castillo’s arrest, Horrocks said, “We did not have sufficient information about this matter to make a statement. Now that we are aware of the specific charges, we will be making notification to parents in accordance with district policy and applicable law.”
Superintendent Horrocks went on to say, “Student safety is one of our highest priorities. It is our understanding that the events giving rise to the charges did not involve the school or its students.
“If parents or students have any information to report concerning this former employee or have any additional questions or concerns, we encourage them to reach out to the Alamosa Police Department or the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
“If parents have any district-related questions or questions or concerns specific to their child’s educational experience, we encourage them to contact us at 719-657-4040.”
Castillo is scheduled to appear again in court on March 15 prior to a preliminary hearing that will be held after that date.
