ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

DENVER--The grand jury that investigated Colorado's football program said two female trainers alleged they were sexually assaulted by an assistant coach, and a slush fund was created with money from coach Gary Barnett's football camp, according to a report leaked to the media.

Money was kept in 16 or 17 cash boxes, each managed by a different person with little oversight, according to the grand jury's findings, which were obtained by KUSA-TV and shared with The Denver Post.

A source who has seen the grand jury report confirmed the accuracy of the news reports to The Associated Press yesterday. The source spoke on condition of anonymity.

The grand jury reported that two female trainers said they were sexually assaulted by an assistant coach and one was "coerced to perform sexual favors for players and recruits repeatedly over a two-year period." It was not immediately clear whether the women testified directly to the grand jury.

The grand jury, which finished meeting Aug. 19, handed up a single indictment accusing former football recruiting aide Nathan Maxcey of soliciting a prostitute for himself and misusing a school-issued cell phone. Maxcey has not entered a plea.

It was not clear why the panel did not issue more indictments.

University officials did not immediately return telephone messages yesterday.

The scandal at the school broke a year ago. At least nine women have said they were assaulted by Colorado football players or recruits since 1997.

In statements issued Monday night, Barnett said he could not comment because of grand jury secrecy rules. University president Betsy Hoffman said the school did not tolerate sexual harassment and has made changes in the athletic department.