Colorado man sentenced to 12 years in prison for sex trafficking

A Colorado man was sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Department of Corrections for trafficking for sexual servitude.

According to judicial authorities, Roman Bear Rivera, 39, was sentenced Monday to 12 years in prison. He was also convicted in another case of retaliation against the victim. He will serve these sentences concurrently.

Rivera was arrested and charged following a nationwide campaign to combat sex trafficking known as “Operation Cross Country.”

The FBI partnered with dozens of state and local agencies in the July 2023 operation, which aimed to locate sex trafficking victims and suspects, according to court officials.

Investigators from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Lakewood Police Department and other agencies launched investigations into Rivera based on an advertisement of sex in exchange for money. Investigators eventually made contact with the victim, who was an adult female, in an effort to provide her with resources.

Eight hours after meeting the victim, an investigator contacted Rivera because he did not know he was working with an undercover agent.

Court officials said Rivera texted: “Look, tell my b*tch who's with you to call or everyone will understand, I know what you look like.”

Rivera then followed up with several more text messages demonstrating manipulation and control of the victim. Rivera then informed the investigator that the victim did not return home and sent the investigator a photo for insurance purposes.

He then threatened extortion and said the victim was behind on her payments. He then asked the investigator to pay for the hours the victim could not work.

The investigator spoke with Rivera by telephone later that day, during which Rivera described an organized operation, alluding to the control of other sex trafficking victims.

He went on to say that the victim was always “supposed to be on time.” The conversation continued with Rivera and the investigator over the phone and through text messages about collecting the payment.

Rivera was arrested in October 2023 and charged with one count of human trafficking for sexual servitude and one count of pimping, resulting in him being held on $50,000 cash bail uniquely. His bail was reduced in February and he was able to flee.

Two days later, court authorities said Rivera located the victim at a motel and assaulted her, punching her several times in the face. Rivera was subsequently arrested and charged with retaliation against a witness, third-degree assault and violation of a protective order. He was then taken into custody on $75,000 cash-only bail and remained in custody.

Rivera also made numerous attempts to contact the victim while in custody at the jail, leading him to observe additional violations of the protection order.

In May, Rivera pleaded guilty to human trafficking for sexual servitude and one count of retaliation against a witness or victim. The court said that as a result of the plea, Rivera faced a possible sentence of eight to 12 years in prison, as the prosecutor dismissed the other charges.