Thornton Fractional District 215 Investigated Teachers Charged in Sexual Assault

Records show district looked into allegations against twin brothers before charges were filed

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Records show Thornton Fractional High School District 215 began investigating former teacher and wrestling coach Andre Richmond more than a year before he was charged with criminal sexual assault and child pornography involving two high school students. His twin brother, Aaron Richmond, who also taught and coached wrestling in the district, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse in December 2024 after a student reported an assault. The district had previously investigated both brothers' conduct toward students.

Why it matters

The case highlights the importance of school districts thoroughly investigating any allegations of inappropriate behavior by teachers and taking swift action to protect students. It also raises questions about the district's handling of the initial allegations and whether more could have been done to prevent further abuse.

The details

Andre Richmond was hired as a math teacher and volunteer assistant wrestling coach at T.F. South in 2021, later becoming the assistant wrestling coach. The district began investigating him in January 2023 after receiving a report of an alleged sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student, but found the claims to be unsubstantiated. However, the district raised concerns about Richmond's boundaries with students. In September 2023, the district launched another investigation into "inappropriate crossing of boundaries" with a student. Richmond was placed on leave in May 2024 and resigned the following month. He was later charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student in his classroom. Aaron Richmond, who taught at T.F. North, was also placed on leave in May 2024 and suspended without pay after the district's investigation. He resigned in June 2024 and was later charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and abuse of a student.

  • The district began investigating Andre Richmond in January 2023.
  • Aaron Richmond was placed on paid administrative leave on May 16, 2024.
  • Andre Richmond was placed on administrative leave on May 29, 2024 and resigned on June 4, 2024.
  • Aaron Richmond was suspended without pay on May 29, 2024 and resigned on June 23, 2024.
  • Andre Richmond was charged on January 8, 2026, and Aaron Richmond was charged in December 2024.

The players

Andre Richmond

A former math teacher and wrestling coach at Thornton Fractional South High School who was charged with criminal sexual assault and child pornography involving two high school students.

Aaron Richmond

The twin brother of Andre Richmond, who was a former math teacher and assistant athletic director at Thornton Fractional North High School. He was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a high school student.

Thornton Fractional High School District 215

The school district that employed the Richmond brothers and investigated allegations of misconduct against them before they were charged.

Jacob Gourley

The principal of Thornton Fractional South High School who informed Andre Richmond that he was under investigation and placed on paid administrative leave.

Brian Rucinski

The principal of Thornton Fractional North High School who notified Aaron Richmond that he was being placed on paid administrative leave.

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What they’re saying

“Your actions have greatly distressed several students, interfered with students' education, affected their well-being and disrupted the learning environment.”

— John Robinzine, Former Interim Superintendent (Daily Southtown)

“In addition, the anonymous claimant reached out and admitted that statements originally submitted to the district were erroneously submitted and/or fabricated.”

— Jacob Gourley, Principal, Thornton Fractional South High School (Daily Southtown)

What’s next

The next court dates for Andre Richmond's case is March 17 and for Aaron Richmond's case is March 12.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of school districts thoroughly investigating any allegations of misconduct by teachers and taking swift action to protect students. It also raises questions about whether the district could have done more to prevent further abuse after the initial investigations.