Second Climbing Instructor Charged in Sex Offense

Two weeks after a climbing instructor from Earth Treks in Columbia was charged in a sexual assault of a minor, another Earth Treks instructor is facing sex offense charges.

Daniel Montague, 20, of Fulton, was charged last week in connection with four fourth-degree sex offenses. He was released the same day, July 7, according to court documents. The Baltimore Sun reported that his father paid $25,000 bail.

Last month, Howard County Police issued a press release about the arrest of Earth Treks climbing instructor Michael J. Lyons, 31, of Rockville. He was of a 14-year-old female student.

Montague’s arrest was reportedly leaked to The Baltimore Sun from a letter written by climbing center executives and forwarded to the paper.

Earth Treks owner Chris Warner Tuesday referred questions to Howard County police.

Howard County police spokesman Elizabeth Schroen said information was not immediately released about Montague’s arrest due to a request from detectives conducting an investigation.

“It’s our intention not to compromise the case by putting out the information too early,” she said.

Schroen also said Montague’s arrest has been available for public inspection at the arrest log at the department on Court House Drive in Ellicott City. "It wasn't anything hidden," she said.

Police say the charges against Lyons, the first instructor arrested, stem from incidents that occurred between April 2011 and June 2011 at the Earth Treks climbing gym on the 7100 block of Columbia Gateway Drive. 

The student reported that Lyons “had engaged in sex acts with her,” police said.

Montague, who faces fourth-degree sex charges, is no longer employed with Earth Treks, according to The Baltimore Sun. Lyons employed there.

Court records indicate the charges against Montague involved incidents between March 2011 and June 2011.

The minor involved, whose age was not released, told her mother she had engaged in sex acts with Montague at her home when the mother was out, according to court documents.

Montague’s trial will be Sept. 15, according to court documents. Lyons’ preliminary hearing is set for July 29.

A third-degree sex offense, which is a felony, carries with it a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A fourth-degree sexual offense, which is a misdemeanor, carries with it a maximum of one year in prison and/or a $1,000 fine, according to the Maryland Legal Code.