From the Grand Junction Police Department:
On February 4, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., officers with the Grand Junction Police Department were dispatched to the northwest quadrant of Grand Junction for a report of a possible sex crime. The reporting party informed officers that a 15-year-old female had been exchanging explicit messages with an adult male in return for money and other items.
Through further investigation, officers determined that the suspect had also been in contact with another 17-year-old juvenile female and had rented hotel rooms where he would meet the juveniles.
On February 14, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers and detectives with the Grand Junction Police Department located and arrested the suspect, identified as 53-year-old Frank Kenneth Cook. Cook was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility and booked on the following charges:
- Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child
- Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
The Grand Junction Police Department believes this to be an isolated incident at this time with no ongoing threat to the public. Due to the involvement of juvenile victims, no identifying information will be released.
This case serves as an important reminder for parents and guardians to have ongoing conversations with their children about the dangers of online interactions. Predators often use social media and text messaging to exploit vulnerable individuals. Grand Junction Police Department urges parents to monitor their children’s online activity and cellphone usage, educate them on potential risks, and encourage open communication about any suspicious or concerning interactions.
The investigation of this case is ongoing and no further information is available.