Man wanted for alleged sexual exploitation of child arrested in southern Colorado

AURORA, Colo. – An Aurora man wanted for alleged sexual exploitation of a child was arrested in southern Colorado, Aurora police announced Thursday.

According to APD's press release, 27-year-old Aaron Marshall Mocalkins was arrested on September 24 with the assistance of law enforcement in Colorado Springs and El Paso County.

Mocalkins was charged in Arapahoe District Court with 12 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, two counts of violating the privacy of a child victim for sexual gratification, two counts of online sexual exploitation of a child, sexual assault of a child and unlawful accused of sexual acts contact with a child – all criminal offenses. He is also charged with three counts of animal cruelty, a misdemeanor.

The Aurora Police Department said the investigation began in March 2022 when investigators received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). The organization said a user of the social media app Kik was in possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Through an investigation, APD said its investigators identified the user as Mocalkins. Investigators executed a search warrant at his home and seized several electronic devices.

Aurora PD said Mocalkins refused to provide access to his devices. With the help of Homeland Security Investigations, investigators bypassed his passwords and discovered “thousands of images and videos” from CSAM, according to Aurora police.

Mocalkins is being held at the Arapahoe County Detention Center on $100,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on October 17.

Aurora PD said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about Mocalkins is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and receive a reward of up to $2,000.