El Paso Co. Sheriff believes there are more victims in sexual exploitation case

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- An ongoing El Paso County Sheriff's Office investigation into the illegal selling of firearms resulted in a 19-year-old being arrested for child pornography.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office charged 19-year-old Mauricio Matestic with the sexual exploitation of a child and say they plan to file more charges against him.

"As they started investigating, executed search warrants, there was child pornography and videos found at the home of the individual," El Paso County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jacqueline Reed said.

County investigators believe there are more victims of Matestic out there.

"A lot of times unfortunately when we get a sexual exploitation of child, we're always concerned about the number of victims," Reed explained.

According to deputies, Matestic met some of his victims by selling items and communicating with them over the Snapchat app.

"It's important for parents to be aware of what apps their children are using and who they are interacting with when they are on any app, or they are online," Reed said. "Unfortunately, we have people who prey on our children."

If anyone has any information or was a victim of Matestic, call the Patrol Tip Line, 719-520-7777, or contact Deputy Dan Carey, 719-474-9342, and reference case number 2021-00000112.