“This arrest should send a clear message that we will pursue anyone who seeks to exploit children in our community”
Longmont Police officers arrested 29-year-old William McRoberts for possession of child sexually exploitative materials and for communicating with an individual he believed to be 13 years old. McRoberts was the subject of a sting operation by a citizen group, led by “predator poacher” Alex Rosen. Longmont Police and Boulder County DA Michael Dougherty received criticism for not arresting McRoberts when they arrived on the scene where the suspect had intentions to meet with a 13-year-old girl while allegedly in possession of condoms and dildos.
Longmont Police issued a statement regarding the incident and said McRoberts submitted to a search of his cell phone and home for evidence of child sexually exploitative material. They did not find any evidence at the time. DA Dougherty explained on the Ryan Schuiling Live podcast that the police were still investigating the matter and if there was enough evidence to bring charges, they would do so.
After executing a search warrant for a forensic examination of McRoberts’ electronic devices, approximately 62 images were tagged revealing the presence of child sexually exploitative material. The police also cited McRoberts’ communication with the citizen “predator poaching” group as evidence in the case and his arrival to the park with an intent to meet with an underage girl.
“This arrest should send a clear message that we will pursue anyone who seeks to exploit children in our community,” said Longmont Chief David Moore. “We greatly appreciate the concerned civilians who brought this incident to our attention. Through diligent work by our detective staff, the expertise of the Computer Forensic Lab staff, and in collaboration with the Boulder County District Attorney’s office, we were able to arrest an alleged sexual predator. Parents can take some comfort knowing our officers are vigilant, but we also encourage families to remain engaged in their children’s online activity. It takes an entire community to keep our children safe.”
Dougherty praised investigators for jumping into action to gather the evidence for the probable cause arrest. Dougherty said on the Ryan Schuilling Live podcast that citizen groups like Rosen’s aren’t law enforcement and shouldn’t be conducting investigations. The arranged meetup with Rosen at the park was the catalyst for the investigation that has now led to charges.
Thomas Fellows, the founder of Colorado Ped Patrol, has conducted his own citizen predator catching investigations in the front range and across Colorado. He said it is “disgusting” because the “Only reason they did anything is due to the 600 calls they got.” Fellows said he has sent 20+ cases to the department of individuals intending to meet underage 13-year-old girls for sex, but no charges have been brought for those cases.
McRoberts is being held on a $150,000 secure bond with no cash option. Additional conditions will be placed in the event McRoberts is able to post bond. He is set to be formally charged Tuesday afternoon.
The Longmont Police encourage any community members with information to contact law enforcement directly. Detective Aiello can be contacted at [email protected] in reference to report 26-7141. All charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
