SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. — The Summit County Sheriff’s Office said it arrested three men last week during a multi-agency operation targeting people using the internet to solicit sex with children.
The sheriff's office partnered with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Summit County 911 Center for the operation. No children were involved.
Isaiah Rapheal Brown of unincorporated Breckenridge was arrested and booked on four felonies: soliciting for child prostitution, attempted patronizing a prostituted child, attempted sexual assault on a child, and cybercrime. Brown was also arrested for attempted contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor.
Andrew James Wright of Twin Lakes was arrested and booked on four felonies: soliciting for child prostitution, attempted patronizing a prostituted child, attempted sexual assault on a child, and cybercrime.
Mark Saeyoon Kim of Denver was arrested and booked on two felonies: internet luring of a child with intent to exploit and attempted sexual assault on a child.
According to the sheriff's office, about 100 people expressed an initial interest in soliciting a prostitute during the operation. Of those 100 people, around 10 of them expressed a desire to pursue sexual acts with children, the sheriff's office said.
On Aug. 15, Wright, Brown and Kim arrived separately and independently at an agreed-upon location in Summit County, the sheriff's office said.
The sheriff's office said the men arrived intending to pay for sexual acts with children, and deputies immediately arrested, transported, and booked the men into the Summit County Detention Facility.
“While we wish these crimes didn’t occur, we know they do, and we work tirelessly to address this reality," Summit County Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons said of the operation. "I thank the Sheriff’s Office team and our partner agencies for the safe and successful execution of this operation.”
“It’s crucial to know who your children interact with online and to talk openly about internet safety and potential dangers,” FitzSimons said.
If you suspect a child is being sexually exploited, Summit County Sheriff's Office asks that you contact their non-emergency dispatch at 970-668-8600 or dial 911 in an emergency.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may also be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 800-843-5678.
