Four Arrested in Child Exploitation Sting

Suspects booked on felony charges related to soliciting minors

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Four individuals were arrested following a multi-day operation targeting internet crimes against children in Mesa County, Colorado. The joint operation between the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security Investigations Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce aimed to identify and arrest those attempting to solicit sex from minors in the area.

Why it matters

Child exploitation and the online solicitation of minors are serious crimes that can have devastating impacts on victims. This operation demonstrates law enforcement's commitment to protecting children and holding perpetrators accountable.

The details

The four-day sting resulted in the arrests of Max Jones, Jose Suarez-Tavera, Angella Garcia, and James Kellerby. All four suspects were booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on various felony charges, including internet luring of a child, criminal attempt, sex assault on a child, enticement of a child, and internet sexual exploitation of a child.

  • The operation took place between February 27 and March 2, 2026.
  • The arrests were made during this four-day period.

The players

Mesa County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that partnered with Homeland Security Investigations on this operation.

Homeland Security Investigations Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce

A federal law enforcement task force that focuses on investigating and prosecuting internet crimes against children.

Max Jones

A 45-year-old resident of Grand Junction, Colorado, who was arrested and charged with internet luring of a child, criminal attempt, and sex assault on a child.

Jose Suarez-Tavera

A 42-year-old resident of Grand Junction, Colorado, who was arrested and charged with criminal attempt and sex assault on a child.

Angella Garcia

A 28-year-old resident of Grand Junction, Colorado, who was arrested and charged with internet luring of a child, enticement of a child, internet sexual exploitation of a child, criminal attempt, and sexual assault on a child.

James Kellerby

A 66-year-old resident of Clifton, Colorado, who was arrested and charged with internet luring of a child, enticement of a child, criminal attempt, internet sexual exploitation of a child, and sexual assault on a child.

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The takeaway

This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the exploitation of children online and the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.