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

Update: Driver Cited for Street Racing (video)

The driver of the red Toyota Supra, 22-year-old Kalynn Kenworthy, was charged with racing on highways. Kenworthy has an extensive history of traffic violations, including citations for racing in August 2025 and in 2023, as well as more than seven speeding citations within the past four years, each averaging more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit. Additional charges are pending against the driver of the white passenger car.
Dineh Benally Pleads Guilty to Charges from Illegal Marijuana Farms

According to court documents, from approximately January 2018 to November 2020, Benally, 48, and his co-conspirators established over 30 farms, covering more than 400 acres, on land obtained from Navajo Nation members. To fund this illegal enterprise, Benally and a co-conspirator traveled to California and created front companies to solicit Chinese investors. These investors were charged cash fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for counterfeit cannabis cultivation licenses.
Three Injured in Farmington Shooting, Suspect Arrested

It was discovered that several individuals had been injured. A juvenile sustained a graze wound, a 16-year-old was shot in the leg, and an 18-year-old was shot in the chest and transported to Albuquerque in critical condition. The vehicle involved in the crash is connected to the shooter. At this time, the shooter has been identified as an 18-year-old male.
Woman Injured in Shooting, Suspect Arrested

As three individuals tried to leave a party, a male subject began shooting, unintentionally striking the vehicle and, subsequently, a passenger inside the vehicle. The passenger was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center and later transported to UNM in Albuquerque, where she is awake and in stable condition.
Arrest Made in Fatal Hit & Run

Using multiple means of evidence, the driver was identified as Alvin Paul who was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet when he veered off the road, hitting Shirley. Paul did not stop or report the crash and surveillance footage from a nearby business proved Paul as the driver. He later admitted to operating the vehicle carelessly. At the time of the crash, Paul’s driver’s license was revoked from a prior DWI arrests. He has two prior DWI convictions and is currently on probation for the second DWI.
Candidates File for Municipal Elections

Candidates filed for municipal elections today. Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.