Larimer County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Three Men in Child Sex Sting Operation

Larimer County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Three Men in Child Sex Sting Operation

Larimer County, CO — In a major blow to child exploitation networks in Northern Colorado, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) has announced the arrest of three men who allegedly attempted to purchase sex from minors during a recent undercover sting operation. The arrests are the result of a coordinated effort by law enforcement to root out individuals preying on vulnerable children online.

According to a press release from the LCSO, the multi-day operation was specifically designed to identify and apprehend child predators. Investigators posed as underage individuals on various local websites and online forums where illicit activities, including the solicitation of sex, are often advertised.

Over 100 Responses in Disturbing Trend

The Sheriff’s Office revealed that the undercover ads received more than 100 responses from adults who believed they were engaging with minors offering sex for money. After back-and-forth communication that confirmed the intent of the suspects, a meeting location was arranged. Three men ultimately showed up expecting to meet with minors for sex and were immediately arrested by law enforcement.

Arrested Suspects Identified

The three individuals arrested and booked into the Larimer County Jail are:

• Philip Robert Christensen
• Vatsal Gupta
• Jose Urritia

Each suspect is facing multiple felony charges, including:

• Soliciting a Child Prostitute
• Internet Luring of a Child
• Cybercrime – Soliciting to Arrange a Minor Prostitute
• Attempted Sexual Assault of a Child

These charges carry significant legal consequences under Colorado law, including possible prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and long-term monitoring if convicted.

Sheriff’s Office Statement

In a stern statement, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of proactive operations in combating child sexual exploitation:

“This operation is a powerful reminder that predators continue to seek out opportunities to exploit children, and they do so in the shadows of the internet. Our investigators are committed to uncovering these threats and bringing those responsible to justice. We will not tolerate crimes against children in our community.”

The LCSO also highlighted the disturbing nature of the sting’s response rate, with over 100 individuals willing to engage with what they believed to be minors. This statistic, officials say, underscores the ongoing and urgent need for law enforcement vigilance, as well as public education about the dangers children face online.

Community Reactions and Safety Efforts

News of the arrests has sparked outrage and concern from local residents and child advocacy groups. Many parents are expressing gratitude for the operation and renewing calls for increased internet safety education for both children and adults.

One parent commented,

“It’s terrifying to think about what could’ve happened if these predators got to a real child. I’m thankful our law enforcement is taking this seriously.”

In response, the Sheriff’s Office is also urging parents and guardians to speak openly with their children about internet safety, online predators, and how to report suspicious behavior.

What You Can Do:

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office recommends the following steps to help protect children from online predators:

• Monitor digital activity: Know which websites, apps, and games your children use.
• Open communication: Encourage children to report anything that makes them uncomfortable.
• Use parental controls: Employ technology tools to restrict inappropriate content and interactions.
• Report suspicious activity: Call local law enforcement or report online exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests, as the operation revealed a much broader web of individuals attempting to engage in illegal acts with minors. LCSO confirmed that they are continuing to review communication logs and digital evidence collected during the sting.

Anyone with information about potential child exploitation in the Larimer County area is urged to come forward. Reports can be made confidentially through the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office tip line or through Crime Stoppers.

Conclusion

This sting operation is a stark reminder of the dangers children face online and the ongoing efforts required to keep them safe. Thanks to the proactive and courageous work of the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, three dangerous individuals are now in custody. Still, the fight against child exploitation is far from over, and public awareness, vigilance, and community involvement remain critical in protecting our most vulnerable.

If you suspect child exploitation, call 911 or contact the LCSO immediately.