Authorities in Westminster, Colorado are accusing a 40-year-man of using a seasonal pass at a local water park to meet and begin a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. The man has been charged with sexually assaulting a child in a pattern of conduct. The man allegedly lied about his age and convinced the girl to begin a social relationship that turned sexual at least one time, prosecutors claim.

The man allegedly purchased a season pass to Water World in Federal Heights for the summer of 2009. While visiting there, he is accused of approaching the 14-year-old as she played with a surfboard in the wave pool and offering to teach her surfing tricks. After that, the two began hanging out together, the girl told police. They spent time at a local mall and went to an art festival, among other activities.

He reportedly told her he was 28 years old when he was actually 37. He also said he was a clothing designer and a would-be hip-hop artist. One evening, according to the arrest affidavit, he sent the girl a text message that said he had some CDs to show her. He came to her home and she let him in through a window.

Authorities claim the two had sex that night. Under Colorado law, a minor cannot consent to having sex with an adult, so if the sex occurred, whether the 14-year-old resisted or not is not relevant as far as criminal charges are concerned.

In Colorado, sexual assault of a child in a pattern of conduct is a third-degree felony, which means the suspect could face up to life in prison if convicted.

Source: KGMH-TV, "Water World Regular Accused Of Sexual Assault Of Child," Deb Stanley, Nov. 4, 2011