Former Aurora Police Officer Sentenced for Misconduct Involving Minor
A former school resource officer in Aurora, Egide Ndagije, 26, has entered a plea deal after being accused of sending inappropriate text messages to a 16-year-old student. He was sentenced to one year of probation, 32 hours of community service, and ordered to pay $803.50 in fines and court costs. Ndagije faced three counts of first-degree official misconduct, but two counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
The misconduct took place over several months in 2023, with Ndagije being formally charged in May 2024. The identity of the minor involved is withheld to protect her privacy. According to her attorney, Matthew Haltzman, the girl sought help from Ndagije regarding issues with an ex-boyfriend, believing she could trust a police officer who had established himself as a mentor figure at her school.
Following the allegations, the Aurora Police Department promptly informed the Colorado Office of Attorney General, which oversees police certifications. As a result of his guilty plea, Ndagije is prohibited from serving as a police officer in Colorado.
Ndagije resigned from the Aurora Police Department after the conclusion of an internal investigation, with a department spokesperson indicating that he would have faced termination had he not stepped down. This case highlights ongoing concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers in positions of authority over minors.
This incident has raised significant discussions regarding trust in school resource officers and their responsibilities in safeguarding the students they are meant to protect.
Austen Erblat, a digital producer at CBS News Colorado, reported on this unfolding story, continuing to monitor developments surrounding the Aurora Police Department and its community impact.