A corrections officer employed by the Colorado Department of Corrections in Trinidad was arrested Thursday on nine felony charges tied to an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation, authorities said.
Gage Vidal Montoya, 37, of Trinidad, faces six counts of sexual exploitation of a child and three counts of possession of a dangerous weapon, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The CBI said the probe began in September 2025 after the agency received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
How the investigation unfolded
The CBI did not release details about the alleged material or the circumstances that led to the tip. Investigators said they found no evidence indicating the alleged criminal behavior occurred while Montoya was on duty with the Colorado Department of Corrections.
The Department of Corrections’ Office of the Inspector General assisted the CBI with the arrest. Montoya was placed on immediate administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case and any internal personnel review, the agency said.
“The Department takes allegations of misconduct seriously. An internal review will be conducted, and in accordance with State Personnel Rules, CDOC will take appropriate administrative action as necessary,” CDOC Executive Director Andre Stancil said. “As this remains an active criminal matter, questions regarding the criminal investigation and charges should be directed to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.”
Charges and timeline
Authorities released a concise breakdown of the charges and the start of the investigation. The CBI confirmed the case originated from a referral made by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Gage Vidal Montoya, 37 |
| Location | Trinidad, Colorado |
| Investigation opened | September 2025 |
| Charges | 6 counts: sexual exploitation of a child; 3 counts: possession of a dangerous weapon |
What happens next
The case is being handled by the CBI as a criminal matter. The Colorado Department of Corrections said questions about the prosecution should be directed to the investigative agency. Montoya will face the felony counts in criminal court; the department will carry out a separate administrative review under state personnel rules.
- Montoya remains on administrative leave while the criminal investigation continues.
- The CDOC will conduct an internal review with assistance from its Office of the Inspector General.
- Prosecutors with jurisdiction over the criminal case will determine formal filing and next court dates.
CBI statements did not include information about whether any court appearances have been scheduled or whether additional arrests are expected. Prosecutors typically file charges in district court and set an initial appearance or arraignment shortly thereafter.
Agency response and public interest
The CDOC emphasized that the allegations are subject to the criminal process and reiterated that it will take administrative steps as needed. The department’s quick placement of Montoya on leave follows standard practice when employees are charged with serious offenses, officials said.
Cases involving suspected child sexual exploitation often begin with electronic tips because investigators and advocacy groups monitor online activity and receive public referrals. In Colorado and elsewhere, those tips are forwarded to local or state law enforcement agencies for follow-up.
Because the investigation remains active, officials limited the information released publicly. The CBI and the CDOC asked that inquiries about the legal case be directed to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor court filings and agency notices and will update coverage as additional information becomes available.
