The youth hockey world in Highlands Ranch took a jarring hit this week after a local coach was arrested on allegations that he had inappropriate contact with multiple underage players. The case has sent shockwaves through South Metro rinks and left parents scrambling for answers while the investigation plays out. The suspect remains in custody as detectives continue to gather evidence.
Arrest and charges
On June 4, detectives with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit arrested 40-year-old Rory Nathaniel Mushlin of Colorado Springs and booked him on allegations that include sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, unlawful electronic sexual communication, person of trust, obscenity, and internet sexual exploitation of a child, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said Mushlin was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Douglas County Detention Facility, where a judge set his bond at $75,000.
Where he coached
Since January 2023, Mushlin had been involved with youth hockey programs at the South Suburban Sports Complex in Highlands Ranch, per South Suburban Parks and Recreation, and detectives said the team also practiced at the Parker Field House and the Family Sports Center, according to South Suburban Parks and Recreation. Colorado College's public directory lists a Rory Mushlin in arena operations in Colorado Springs, corroborating the coach’s ties to local rinks.
Detectives seek additional victims
Douglas County detectives said they have identified multiple underage victims and are urging anyone with information, or parents who believe their child may have had concerning contact with the coach, to contact Detective Clay at [email protected], according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The office said the investigation is active and that no additional details will be released at this time while detectives work with victims and families.
What happens next
All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law; those legal standards were reiterated in official materials and local reporting. As reported by The Denver Post, prosecutors and the sheriff’s office will determine any formal charging decisions as investigators continue to develop the case.
