Miguel Alberto Aranda, a 45-year-old male from Longmont, was taken into custody on Thursday for having child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
After an extensive investigation that lasted for several months, two felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor were filed.
Authorities collaborated with many organizations to gather evidence and ensure his arrest.
Investigation Details
This case began with a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The organization suspected Aranda of possessing CSAM and forwarded the information to the Colorado Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
ICAC traced the suspect to Boulder County and sent the tip to the Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab.
The report was examined by investigators together with data from electronic service providers that were acquired pursuant with court orders.
Authorities were able to uncover additional information and establish the foundation for the investigation as a result of this process.
Search Warrant and Evidence
Investigators were able to secure a search warrant in April 2024 for Aranda's residence located in Longmont on the 600 block of Quebec Avenue.
Authorities confiscated 16 electronic devices that were suspected of harboring illicit content during the search.
After forensic specialists carefully examined the electronic devices, they found proof that CSAM was in possession.
These findings provided probable cause to issue an arrest warrant, which was a significant step forward in the case.
Arrest and Charges
On November 21, 2024, Aranda was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.
One charge relates to possessing a video, while the other involves possessing an image of child sexual abuse material.
Aranda was booked into the Boulder County Jail without bond, meaning he will remain in custody until a judicial officer reviews his case.
The charges against him are classified as Class 4 and Class 5 Extraordinary Risk Felonies, which carry severe penalties under Colorado law.
Collaborative Investigation
The Colorado ICAC Task Force played a central role in this investigation.
This task force includes members from the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Longmont Department of Public Safety, Boulder Police Department, and Boulder County District Attorney’s Office.
These agencies worked together to uncover evidence and build a strong case.
Digital forensics expertise was critical in analyzing the seized devices.
Investigators used advanced tools to validate their findings and ensure the case was backed by solid evidence.
This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in tackling child exploitation cases and ensuring justice is served.
Aranda’s arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of combining digital tools with multi-agency teamwork to combat child exploitation.
It also underscores the ongoing efforts of organizations like NCMEC and ICAC to protect vulnerable children and hold offenders accountable for their crimes.
