Law enforcement have arrested 29-year-old Longmont man, William McRoberts, after a citizen-led group, called Predator Poachers, says they caught him trying to meet up with a child and her father to have sex.
The backstory:
According to Longmont Public Safety, on June 9, Longmont Police officers arrived at Left Hand Creek Park after receiving information from Predator Poachers.
McRoberts cooperated with officers, agreed to an interview and allowed a cursory review of his cellphone and personal property. At the time, officers did not find enough evidence for an arrest. McRoberts was allowed to go free, but detectives soon obtained and executed a search warrant for an examination of McRoberts’ electronic devices.
The investigation found:
62 tagged images by the Computer Forensic Lab.
Child sexually exploitative material.
Communication across several online applications between McRoberts and individuals he believed to be underaged.
Law enforcement took McRoberts into custody Friday and filed charges Tuesday afternoon. McRoberts’ bond has been set at $150,000 with no cash option. Additional conditions of his bond were set in the event he is able to post bond.
“This arrest should send a clear message that we will pursue anyone who seeks to exploit children in our community,” Longmont Police Chief David Moore said. “We greatly appreciate the concerned civilians who brought this incident to our attention.”