Press Release - Arrest Made Following Longmont Online Exploitation Investigation

Boulder County, Colo. - On June 9, 2026, Longmont Police officers responded to information provided by a civilian group at Lefthand Creek Park. Officers contacted and identified the individual involved as William McRoberts, 29, of Longmont. McRoberts voluntarily left the park with officers and cooperated, including consenting to an interview and allowing a cursory review of his cellphone and personal property. The officers at that time did not see any evidence sufficient for an arrest.

Additional investigative steps were immediately taken by Longmont Police Detectives, relevant evidence was secured, and the Longmont Police Department treated the case as a priority.

Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant for a forensic examination of McRoberts’ electronic devices. Many images were extracted from the device, with approximately 62 images tagged during the preliminary review by the Computer Forensic Lab. The preliminary review revealed the presence of child sexually exploitative materials and communication between Mr. McRoberts and an individual(s) he believed to be underage.

The investigation determined that McRoberts had been communicating with individuals he believed to be underage using several online applications to look for child sexually exploitative materials and communicate with whom he believed to be underage individuals. In this instance, he believed he was communicating with a 13‑year‑old and arrived at the park expecting to meet her, where instead he encountered members of the civilian group.

The Longmont Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office worked together on the investigation, evaluated the evidence, and determined that charges should be filed. Law enforcement took McRoberts into custody on Friday night, June 19, 2026. The District Attorney’s Office fought for a high-secured bond.   

On Saturday, Mr. McRoberts bond was set as a $150,000 secured bond with no cash option.  Additional conditions of his bond were set in the event he can post that bond. The filing of charges is formally set for tomorrow (6/23) at 1:30 pm.

These cases are a top priority for the Longmont Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office. In Boulder County, law enforcement has access to its own Computer Forensic Lab, and the District Attorney’s Office includes a specialized Human Trafficking Unit equipped to handle such cases.

District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated, “Every allegation of a sex offense in Boulder County is investigated thoroughly by trained law enforcement officers, with the help of our experts in the Computer Forensic Lab. That process ensures the integrity of the investigation and the safety of those involved as well as charges that can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. I appreciate that, with no advance notice here, the Longmont Police Department jumped into action and moved as quickly as they did to gather and review all of the evidence. Our Sex Crimes Unit will fight for justice, as we do in every single case of this nature.”     

Longmont Chief David Moore stated, “This arrest should send a clear message that we will pursue anyone who seeks to exploit children in our community. 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.”

Community members who have information are strongly encouraged to contact law enforcement directly.  Please contact Detective Aiello at nicholas.aiello@longmontcolorado.gov and reference Longmont Police Report 26-7141.

As in every criminal case, these charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.