CO Jail Worker Arrested in Internet Sting

Friday, October 23, 2015 at 12:00 AM

Online child solicitation investigation leads to arrest of 30-year old Colorado Department of Corrections Employee; On October 19, 2015, deputies from San Juan County Sheriff’s Office who are attached to New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (I.C.A.C.) task force were conducting an online child solicitation investigation. During the investigation they were contacted by a Zerik Martin of Durango, Colorado. Zerik believed he was speaking with a 14-year old female.

From the San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office:

Online child solicitation investigation leads to arrest of 30-year old Colorado Department of Corrections Employee;

On October 19, 2015, deputies from San Juan County Sheriff’s Office who are attached to New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (I.C.A.C.) task force were conducting an online child solicitation investigation. During the investigation they were contacted by a Zerik Martin of Durango, Colorado. Zerik believed he was speaking with a 14-year old female.

During the conversation Zerik started to solicit the 14-year old female (deputies) for nude pictures of her. After the deputies refused to send a photo, Zerik sent a nude photo of his private parts. Zerik also started to describe in detail what he would like to do with the 14-year old female.

During the conversation Zerik said that he was already having an inappropriate relationship with another 14-yearold. Since an implication of a live victim was present deputies discontinued the contact with Zerik and informed Detectives with Durango Police Department of the investigation. San Juan County Deputies with the assistance of Detectives from Durango Police Department made contact with Zerik Martin. During the contact Zerik confessed to inappropriately soliciting the 14-year old girl (deputies). He advised that he is currently employed by Colorado Department of Corrections.

A warrant was issued for Zerik Martin by San Juan County Sheriff’s Office for the charges of 2-counts of Child Solicitation by Electronic Communication Device (child 13 to 16) (4th degree felony).

On October 22, 2015, Zerik Martin, was arrested on the New Mexico warrant at his home in Colorado. Zerik is awaiting extradition to New Mexico.

Detectives from Durango Police Department are still investigating crimes that occurred in Colorado.

We are looking to see if there are any other victims. If you feel you have been victimized or know of someone that was victimized by Zerik Martin and you live in New Mexico please contact San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. If you live in Colorado please contact Durango Police Department.

More from Local News

AirCare adds Second Airplane

AirCare 3 is a Pilatus PC-12 Legacy. It joins AirCare 1, a Bell 429 twin engine helicopter, and AirCare 2, a Pilatus PC-12 NGX, all owned by San Juan Regional Medical Center and operated by Air Methods.
San Juan County Celebrates New Extension Office

The San Juan County Extension Service Building project is one of 14 projects funded by $13 million recovered in New Mexico’s 2022 settlements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA contractors, and mining defendants for injuries to natural resources resulting from the August 2015 Gold King Mine blowout.
2024 Election: San Juan County Contested Races

These are the unofficial election results from voting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 of the contested races in San Juan County, NM.
Local Freight Rail to receive up to $4 Million more for project

The (Four Corners Freight Rail) project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing resilience and improving system and service performance, as the project will provide a viable freight transportation modal alternative to highway trucking, opportunities to simplify the supply chain, and enable new, rail-dependent economic development opportunities thereby imparting benefits to the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities.
Teen Boy Fatally Stabbed, Mother Beaten, Juvenile Suspect Arrested

The victim is a 12-year old boy who died of apparent stab wounds. A second victim, believed to be the suspect’s mother, sustained injuries from a blunt object attack and is being treated at CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital in Durango. The names of the victims are being withheld as the investigation is ongoing. The incident was reported by a motorist who was involved in a single vehicle accident shortly after 7 a.m., believed to have been caused by the suspect as he fled the residence on Snowy Peaks Way. Deputies discovered the scene when they arrived to investigate the accident.
Woman & Bystander Fatally Shot in Farmington

Andrew Wittenberg has been charged with aggravated burglary, larceny of a firearm, two counts of first-degree murder, and tampering with evidence. The investigation is still ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.