The chairman of the Weld County Republicans was arrested Thursday after police say he went to a location expecting to meet with a minor for sex and was met by police.
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Hunter Rivera, 24, is facing charges of soliciting a child prostitute, internet luring of a child, cybercrime – soliciting to arrange a minor prostitute and attempted sexual assault on a child, according to a Larimer County sheriff’s news release.
As part of an operation targeting child predators, sheriff’s investigators pretended to be minors selling sexual acts on local websites and forums, according to the release.
Several dozen people responded to the listings, and Rivera and another man arrived at an agreed-upon location to buy sex. Instead of minors, Rivera and the other man were met by deputies and arrested.
“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and we won’t tolerate it in Larimer County. I hope this operation sends a strong message,” said Sheriff John Feyen. “It doesn’t matter who you are, if you try to hurt kids in our community, you will be held accountable.”
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Rivera, who lives in Windsor, has worked for various Republican leaders in the state, according to his biography on the Weld County Republicans website.
State House and Senate Republicans called for Rivera to resign immediately.
“These charges are sickening, horrifying and beyond reprehensible,” the group wrote in a statement. “There is no defense for anyone who preys on children, no excuses, and no place for that anywhere near public life or our party.”
Rivera and Weld County GOP officials could not be reached for comment Friday night.
Rivera is in custody at the Larimer County jail on $6,500 bail, according to online jail records. He is set to appear Larimer County District Court on Thursday morning.
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