Pueblo Man Arrested For Having Sex With 14 Y.O. Girl

Pueblo Police said that Jared Eppens, 23, was arrested on suspicion of having sex with a 14-year-old girl Saturday.

Witnesses told police that they saw Eppens having sex with the girl in the bushes near the ValuStay Inn on North Hudson Avenue at around 12:45 a.m. Saturday.

The girl told police that she knew how old Eppens is and wanted to have sex with him.

Officers said when they arrived on scene, Eppens ran off on foot and was arrested near 18th Street and Erie Avenue.

Police said Eppens was recently released from jail. Last year, he was wanted for escape and warrants for assault and domestic violence.

The age of consent is 17 under Colorado law, but there is a close-in-age exception. Those ages 15 and 16 can legally consent to engage in acts with those less than 10 years older as long as that person is not one in a position of trust.

Those less than 15 years old can legally consent to engage in acts with those less than 4 years older as long as that person is not one in a position of trust.