AURORA, CO (AZFamily) — Police in a Colorado suburb say an airline pilot with ties to multiple states, including Arizona, was arrested in an online child predator operation last month.
According to the Aurora Police Department, authorities arrested Ralph Edward Bledsoe, 68, of Florissant, Colorado, after trying to meet up with who he thought was a child but was an undercover detective. He was booked into the city jail on charges of luring a child, internet sexual exploitation of a child, and attempted sexual assault of a child.
While authorities say it doesn’t appear that Bledsoe had a prior criminal history, investigators believe he may have had sex with minors in Phoenix as well as Denver and somewhere in Pennsylvania.
“Bledsoe being an airline pilot and the possibility of previous sexual relationships with underaged victims raises significant concerns about the potential of there being victims throughout the country,” said Seth Robertson, lieutenant of the Aurora Police Department Special Victims Section. “His arrest does not mean this investigation is over. Our detectives are working diligently with local, state and federal partners throughout the country to try to identify additional victims and to ensure they receive the justice they deserve.”
As the investigation continues, detectives are asking anyone with information to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
“As a police officer and father, I am appalled by these disgusting crimes that target children within our community,” said Mark Hildebrand, chief of the Aurora Police Department Investigations Division. “It is the truest representation of evil. It is impressive to see so many law enforcement agencies come together for such an important cause to protect our youngest and most vulnerable. I am very proud of our ICAC Unit’s contribution and hard work in this endeavor.”
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