District attorney in New Mexico dismisses sexual assault-related charges against Team Summit coach ‘without prejudice’

The district attorney in Taos, New Mexico, has dismissed charges against the Team Summit coach arrested in association with a report that a juvenile was sexually assaulted during an out-of-state ski competition.

Taos County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Jared Hedges, 48, of Frisco at Taos Ski Valley on March 22 on two felony charges related to criminal sexual contact, according to a news release from that Sheriff’s Office.

A notice of dismissal filed in Hedge’s case on April 17 states that New Mexico’s 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office dismissed those charges “pending receipt of further discovery and investigatory evidence.” The case was dismissed without prejudice, leaving open the possibility that it could be brought at another time, according to the notice.

Team Summit executive director C.B. Bechtel said in a statement that the prosecuting attorney, nor any other party, notified the team that the charges had been dismissed. Rather, the team reportedly found out on its own by monitoring the court docket.

“Team Summit will continue to cooperate with authorities, and we continue to review our policies and procedures with governing bodies, staff, and counsel,” Bechtel said. “Athlete safety is and has always been our priority, and with that in mind, we are taking this review process incredibly seriously. We are endeavoring to take all possible scenarios that may not currently be covered by the policies and procedures in place into consideration.”

Bechtel said that Team Summit at this time has no additional information about the dismissal of the charges or whether they will be refiled. Team Summit will continue to abide by the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s requirements and the vetting process for all team members, staff and coaches who have any contact with the athletes, he said.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport’s disciplinary database continued to list Hedges as “ineligible” as of Tuesday, April 22.

The Taos County Adult Detention Center did not immediately respond to a request for information Tuesday related to booking or detention information on Hedges.

Team Summit scheduled three parent meetings earlier this month to discuss its policy review process and make any changes necessary ahead of any future team travel, according to emails shared with Summit Daily News.

All Team Summit coaches undergo thorough background checks as a condition of their employment and every two years during their employment, Bechtel said in a statement. Team Summit employees must also complete mandatory SafeSport training before working with the athletes and participate in an annual SafeSport refresher course, according to the statement.

The team has also offered mental health resources to its athletes and a guide for parents on how to talk to children about sexual abuse and misconduct.

An attorney representing Hedges declined Tuesday to comment on the dismissal of the criminal charges.