COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Police in Colorado Springs have arrested a 41-year-old man in connection with an investigation into the alleged exploitation of a child. Investigators say Nicholas Madson faces a felony charge of soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services after a monthlong probe.
Madson was taken into custody on Wednesday. The case started with a tip on Sept. 9 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which alleged that a Colorado Springs man had been communicating online with a juvenile girl in Florida.
Tip from national center led investigators to alleged online contact
Police said the investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified authorities about possible online activity involving Madson and the Florida juvenile. That tip prompted detectives to examine the communications and the circumstances around the alleged contact.
During the investigation, a detective with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in Florida contacted the potential victim. According to police, that conversation led investigators to believe the child had sent explicit videos and photos to Madson.
The allegations remain part of an active investigation, and police have not publicly described any additional evidence beyond what investigators say they learned during the monthlong inquiry.
Police say Madson taught theatre at CIVA Charter High School
As detectives continued to investigate, they determined that Madson was employed as a teacher at CIVA Charter High School in Colorado Springs. Police identified his role as a teaching theatre position at the school.
The school later confirmed that Madson had worked there since 2019. In a statement shared with Scripps News, CIVA said he has been placed on leave.
The school said student safety remains its top priority and that it has cooperated fully with law enforcement. Officials added that they would continue to work with investigators while the criminal case moves forward.
School says student safety remains its top priority
CIVA Charter High School said it recognizes how serious the allegations are and understands the concern they may raise inside the school community. The school also said it cannot discuss the investigation in detail because it involves an employee and confidential personnel matters.
In its statement, the school emphasized that it will continue cooperating with police. The statement repeated that Madson has been employed there since 2019 and that he served as a theatre teacher.
The school has not said whether any students at the school are believed to have been involved in the case. Police also have not said whether the alleged online contact was connected to school activities.
Detectives say the case remains active and ongoing
Colorado Springs police said the investigation is still active and ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone who may have had inappropriate contact with Madson, or anyone with information that could help the case, to contact the department.
People with information can call the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000. Those who want to remain anonymous can contact Pikes Peak Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP or 1-800-222-8477.
Police said Madson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What the felony charge means as the case moves forward
The charge announced by police is solicitation of a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services, a felony offense. The arrest comes as investigators continue to piece together the timeline that began with the Sept. 9 tip and led to the Wednesday arrest.
Authorities have not released a court schedule or said whether additional charges are possible. For now, the case appears to center on the alleged online communications and the digital material investigators say was exchanged.
Because the criminal case is still unfolding, police are continuing to look for witnesses or anyone with relevant information. The department says the public can help by reporting any similar contact or concerns connected to the investigation.
