Boulder Man Sentenced in 2023 Morgan County Child Exploitation Case

Custer received two consecutive 18-year-to-life prison terms for luring and exploiting a child.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 47-year-old Boulder man, John Custer, has been sentenced to two consecutive 18-year-to-life prison terms for his conviction in a 2023 child exploitation case in Morgan County, Colorado. Custer was arrested in 2023 for attempting to meet someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy, who was actually an undercover agent. While out on bond, Custer was arrested again in 2024 on similar allegations involving an actual child victim in Arapahoe County.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals who use the internet to lure and exploit children. It also demonstrates the challenges of repeat offenders and the need for strong sentencing to protect vulnerable youth.

The details

In December 2023, a joint investigation by several law enforcement agencies led to Custer's arrest on charges of internet luring of a child with intent to exploit and internet sexual exploitation of a child. After being released on bond, Custer was arrested again in 2024 on similar allegations in Arapahoe County, with an actual child victim involved. Custer's original Morgan County case ended in a mistrial in 2025, but he was found guilty on all counts, including two habitual offender charges, in a second trial last week.

  • In December 2023, Custer was arrested on charges of internet luring and exploitation.
  • In 2024, while out on bond, Custer was arrested again on similar allegations in Arapahoe County.
  • The original Morgan County case went to trial in April 2025 but ended in a mistrial.
  • Custer was found guilty on all counts in a second trial last week.

The players

John Custer

A 47-year-old Boulder man convicted in a 2023 child exploitation case in Morgan County, Colorado.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation

One of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation that led to Custer's arrest.

Fort Morgan Police Department

One of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation that led to Custer's arrest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Arapahoe County case involving Custer and an actual child victim is scheduled for trial in late May.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the need for strong sentencing and continued vigilance by law enforcement to protect children from online predators, especially repeat offenders who continue to pose a threat to vulnerable youth.