Man accused of sexually exploiting children on Snapchat, text messages

DENVER (KDVR) — A months-long investigation has resulted in the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect accused of harassing and extorting children via Snapchat and text messages.

John Farnsworth Van Der Bosch, 18, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of nine charges, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office. He is accused of:

• Three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, class 3 misdemeanors
• Two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, class 4 misdemeanors
• Two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, class 5 misdemeanors
• One count of criminal extortion, a class 4 felony
• One count of aggravated cruelty to animals, a class 4 felony

Detectives with the FBI's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit began investigating Van Der Bosch on Feb. 6, according to the sheriff's office. Investigators allege Van Der Bosch sexually exploited children and had child pornography in his possession.

According to Colorado court records, the charges stem from alleged actions that occurred in December 2023.

Van Der Bosch was booked into the Arapahoe County Detention Center on $100,000 cash or surety bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 25.

FOX31 has reached out to the attorney named in his filing for comment.

Investigators believe there may be other victims in this case and are sharing his photo to that end. Anyone with information about this case, or who thinks they know someone who was harassed, extorted or exploited by this suspect, is asked to call the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office tip line at 720-874-8477 .