Jeffrey Claude Bartleson was a conservative activist for many years. In 2008, he worked for Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign in southern Colorado. He has been honored at the U. S. House of Representatives for his work as a foster parent and for his work with youth.
Bartleson volunteered where he would be in contact with children, including volunteering as a Boy Scout leader. He also volunteered at Parkview Medical Center’s Chemical Dependency Unit, King of Kings Lutheran Church, Young Life Association, the El Pueblo Boys and Girls Ranch, and the Interfaith Hospitality Network.
He’s been under investigation and there are allegations dating back to the Eighties in the arrest affidavit. However, things came to a head when he volunteered to keep a McCain volunteer’s son overnight while she was away from home. When she returned her son told her he had been molested twice and that Bartleson had said he had done the same with five other boys. He was arrested and more information came out involving six boys, all under fifteen.
He pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault on a child.
- Denver Post: Molestation Allegations Against Well-Regard Puebloan
- The Pueblo Chieftan: Political Consultant Pleads to Sexual Assault on a Child