The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office recently concluded a three-day operation focused on the apprehension of individuals using the internet to solicit children for sexual purposes. This law enforcement initiative involved multiple agencies, including the Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade Police Departments, as well as the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.
Five men face felony charges as a result of this investigation. Eric Muesch, 46, of Grand Junction, faces charges including solicitation for commercial sexual activity with a child and sexual assault on a child. Marlin Alvarez Carcamo, 33, of Aspen, faces similar charges and is currently held on a cash-only bond. Alejandro Vazquez Bonilla, 42, of Basalt, was also arrested on charges of internet luring and sexual assault on a child.
Additional arrests include Robert Callaway, 72, of Grand Junction, who faces charges of solicitation for commercial sexual activity with a child. Alex Knoll, 37, of Grand Junction, faces a extensive list of charges including human trafficking of a minor, internet sexual exploitation of a child, and pandering of a child to arrange commercial sexual activity.
All suspects were booked into the Mesa County Jail following the operation. The collaborative effort between local, state, and federal entities highlights the ongoing work to monitor and disrupt illicit activity targeting minors online within the 21st Judicial District. Local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of these sting operations in maintaining public safety and protecting vulnerable populations from digital exploitation.