Authorities in Boulder County have arrested a Longmont man following an investigation into child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The suspect, Joseph Robert Alexander, 37, was taken into custody on December 14.
He faces multiple felony charges related to the possession and sharing of exploitative material.
Investigators Uncover 2,000 Child Exploitation Files
The investigation began in May 2024 when the Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab (BCDFL) identified suspicious activity involving child sexual abuse material.
Over 2,000 files of suspected CSAM were shared online using peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing software.
The P2P platform allows users to download and exchange files directly with others worldwide, often evading detection.
Authorities traced the activity to an IP address connected to a residence on Crisman Drive in Longmont.
Undercover investigators in both Colorado and Arizona were able to confirm the distribution of these files, prompting further investigation.
Law enforcement prioritized securing the residence as a key part of their inquiry into the illegal material.
Longmont Suspect Arrested After Forensic Search
On July 10, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence on Crisman Drive.
Numerous electronic devices were seized during the search for forensic analysis. Due to the complex nature of digital investigations, a detailed review was conducted over several months.
The analysis revealed thousands of CSAM videos and photos, as well as the presence of P2P software used to distribute the material.
The findings provided probable cause for the arrest of Joseph Alexander.
On December 14, he was taken into custody and booked into Boulder County Jail with no bond, pending a judicial hearing.
Alexander now faces four felony charges, including two counts of possession of CSAM videos and two counts of possession of images.
Agencies such as the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, Longmont Department of Public Safety, and the Colorado ICAC Task Force played critical roles in the investigation and arrest.
