Boulder County, Colo. - On August 5, 2026, 39-year-old Charles Howard BAKER was arrested on a warrant for three counts of sexual exploitation of a child relating to possession of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM). The investigation began when detectives at the Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab (BCDFL) received CSEM files from someone in the Northern Colorado area during a proactive Peer-to-Peer investigation. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing allows people using special software to download and share files with other users around the world via the internet.

At the onset of the investigation, the BCDFL forwarded the tip to an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) detective at the Larimer County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) due to the suspect computer’s IP address resolving to a home in the town of Wellington, Larimer County, CO. However, through additional investigation it was learned that the occupant of the home (and potential suspect) was an employee of Larimer County who was assigned to support the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office as a radio technician. Due to this potential conflict of interest, the BCDFL was asked to take the lead on the investigation, with LCSO personnel assisting.

Through additional investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for BAKER’s residence in the 3500 block of Revere Ct., Wellington, Larimer County, CO. On June 2, 2026, detectives from BCSO and LCSO, with assistance from the LCSO Criminal Impact Unit, served the search warrant and seized numerous computers and other electronic devices. On the day of the search warrant service, BAKER was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation.

Examination of the digital evidence resulted in the discovery of thousands of CSEM videos and images. Additionally, investigators observed what appeared to be attempts to use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate CSEM material using explicit prompts. Analysis of the digital evidence resulted in probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant for BAKER for possession and attempted production of CSEM.

Deputies with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office in Wyoming contacted BAKER at a campground outside of Lander, Wyoming at around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5 and arrested him on the outstanding warrant. He was then booked into the Fremont County, WY jail and is being held without bond (until seen by a judicial officer) for: 1 count of violating C.R.S. §18-6-403(3)(b.5),(b)(II),(5.5), sexual exploitation of a child – possession of a video, a Class 4 Extraordinary Risk Felony; 1 count of violating C.R.S. §18-6-403(3)(b);18-2-101 criminal attempt to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production, a Class 4 Felony; and 1 count of violating C.R.S. §18-6-403(3)(b.5)(5.5), sexual exploitation of a child – possession of an image, a Class 5 Extraordinary Risk Felony.

Agencies who assisted with this investigation include the: Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab, Longmont Department of Public Safety, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder County District Attorney’s Office, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Larimer County District Attorney’s Office, and Fremont County (WY) Sheriff’s Office.

The associated Boulder County Sheriff’s Office case number for this investigation is 26-01343. The arrest warrant was filed through the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office (Larimer County) under district court case number 2026CR1079.

About the Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab:
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office houses local members of the Colorado ICAC Task Force, comprised of Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab investigators from the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Longmont Department of Public Safety, Boulder Police Department, and Boulder County District Attorney’s Office. In addition to other responsibilities, investigators assigned to the Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab are tasked with investigating child sexual exploitation cases and high technology crimes and provide digital forensics expertise and analysis on a wide range of cases.

About ICAC:
The Colorado Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is a group of local and federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors located in and around the state of Colorado who are trained and dedicated to protecting children online by investigating and prosecuting crimes committed against children, facilitated by the internet, technology, and computer usage. Colorado ICAC is a member of the National ICAC Task Force.

If you suspect a child is being sexually exploited online, you can report it online at NCMEC's CyberTipLine website or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST.

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

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/s/Detective Sergeant Clay Leak, BCDFL

BAKER booking photo. Courtesy: Fremont County (WY) Sheriff's Office