Man accused of sexually exploiting children on Snapchat, text

DENVER (KDVR) – A months-long investigation led to the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect on charges of harassing and extorting children via Snapchat and text messages.

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

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

According to the sheriff’s office, detectives from the FBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit began investigating Van Der Bosch on February 6. Investigators allege that Van Der Bosch sexually exploited children and had child sexual abuse materials in his possession.

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

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

FOX31 has reached out to the attorney handling his case for comment.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims in this case and are releasing his photo. Anyone with information about this case or who believes 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.