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Former Colorado Springs police officer gets 70 years to life for touching students
Posted: 02.22.2013 at 10:44 AM
Updated: 02.22.2013 at 11:45 AM
Travis Ruiz

Travis Ruiz is the Social Media Manager and Interactive Managing Editor for FOX21 News.com

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FOX21 News Team Coverage

Josh Carrier
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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The former Colorado Springs police officer and wrestling coach volunteer convicted of inappropriately touching students will spend at least 70 years in prison.

Joshua Carrier was sentenced on Friday morning to 70 years in prison, to be served consecutively, for the first seven victims. The other sentences will be served concurrently.

It was last October when Carrier was convicted of more than 30 counts of sexual assault on a child. There were 18 victims.  It was the second trial for Carrier after the first one failed to have a vedict on 150 counts.

According to court records, Carrier groped, fondled and videotaped wrestlers while he was volunteering at Horace Mann Middle School. He claimed he was just checking the students for "skin diseases" before wrestling matches. Carrier, who was a school resource officer, was also accused of molesting other children who complained of sports injuries or illness.

Additionally, Carrier was convicted of child pornography charges after DVDs and photos were found.

Carrier faced a total of more than 200 criminal charges that included sexual assault on a child and possession of child pornography.

At the sentencing hearing, parents of the victims urged the Judge to sentence Carrier to the maximum.

"I ask that you think of the children and what they will never get back," one dad said.

"These boys have paid the price," a victim's mom said. " These boys have been courageous. I just want to teach my son that justice does prevail."

The prosecutor in the case asked that the sentencing be made consecutively.

"That gives justice to each victim," the prosecutor said. "It gives a meaningful sentence for the harm he has caused to each boy."

According to the prosecutor, Carrier has had no remorse.

"Joshua Carrier hasn't shown one drop of remorse."

A pastor defended Carrier, referencing Internet porn pop ups.

"Every man in this courtroom who has followed a pop up on their computer has looked at pornography," the pastor said. "I believe Carrier does not want to hurt any human being."

At the sentencing hearing, Judge David Gilbery said he was impressed with both sides of the case.

"I was impressed that I think there was, by parties on both sides, a sensitivity to the needs of the boys."

Judge Gilbert said he wasn't sure if Carrier had perverted sexual desires and decided to volunteer with kids or he took advantage of the opportunity that presented itself.

"He used his trusted position to exploit children." Judge Gilbert said. "The entire community was misled and betrayed."

Judge Gilbert said he did not understand how out-of-hand the situation got.

"In regard to how this got so out-of-hand, If I have trouble getting my head around this, imagine how confused the kids are. " he said. "They are heroes. Ultimately, they did what they needed to do, they told their parents. They did a wonderful thing."

"When we think peace officer, we should only think one way. That is that they're there to help, not hurt."

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Information from FOX21's Kelly Helton in the courtroom.

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