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

Study finds local rail line "feasible," Project moves Forward

In addition, the study finds that reducing truck traffic on major highways is a major benefit to rail, with reduced motor vehicle crashes and reduced wear and tear to roadways. The next phase of this project is already funded by a $4 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant and $1 million match from the New Mexico Match Fund.
New Farmington Temple Prepares for Public Open House

The public is invited to tour the Farmington Temple from Thursday, July 17, through Saturday, August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.
SJRMC & San Juan College agree to expand Nursing Program

Full-time nursing faculty members will receive a $10,000 annual stipend on top of their base salary to enhance the program’s capacity. In addition, students will have an opportunity to enter into an agreement with SJRMC to receive a substantial $4,800 living stipend per semester,
Man Arrested for Fruitland Murder

Following verbal arguments at the house of Adrian Begay (age 45), De Andre Julian (age 23) left with his girlfriend, Adrian Begay’s daughter, Adriana Begay (age 21) to a nearby residence. Adrian Begay followed them to the exterior of the residence when De Andre Julian produced a handgun and shot Adrian Begay multiple times in the chest at close range.
Feds Indict Shiprock Father & Son for Illegal Marijuana Farms in NM

The charges include conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana, manufacture of 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, maintaining drug-involved premises, and two counts of knowingly discharging pollutants into waters of the United States without a permit.
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.