Former Hamilton Teacher Faces Rape Charges

A former Hamilton High teacher and coach is charged with having sex with a 15-year-old student.

 26-year-old Gage Brumwell of Bozeman appeared in Ravalli County Justice Court Monday on charges of rape and unlawful transactions with children. Bail was set at $30,000.

Hamilton police began investigating in October after a student told a school staff member that Brumwell had sex with another student. The 15-year-old told investigators that she and Brumwell exchanged text messages that turned sexual in nature. She said she went to Brumwell's house in January 2010, drank alcohol with him and that they had sex.

Brumwell acknowledged exchanging inappropriate text messages with the teen and said she was at his house, but told investigators he did not drink alcohol or have sex with her.

Associated Press