A Washington County parent’s discovery of obscene images of their minor child on an iPad and cellphone on Oct. 24, 2025 has now spiraled into a multi-county investigation and an out-of-state arrest. On May 18, 2026, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office released new details that publicly named a suspect and outlined how the case extended into neighboring Bay County.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, detectives concluded that photos and videos of the child had been transmitted between locations in Washington and Bay counties and that the child had allegedly been paid in exchange for the material. Investigators reported using subpoenas and extensive digital forensics to gather electronic evidence tied to the case.
Arrest and charges
In its social media update, the sheriff’s office identified 27-year-old Francisco Manuel Burgos of Pueblo as the person who allegedly received the images. The post states that special agents with the Colorado Department of Public Safety located and arrested Burgos on outstanding warrants and that he is being held in Colorado pending extradition to Bay County.
Investigators listed multiple counts they say were lodged against Burgos, including cruelty toward a child for directing or promoting a sexual performance, use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, and obscene communication via computer. “The protection of children remains one of our highest priorities,” the sheriff’s office wrote in its statement.
Investigation details
Investigators in Washington and Bay counties described the case as complex and said it depended heavily on digital forensics and subpoenas to trace how the images and videos moved between devices and locations. Because the case is still active, law enforcement has not released identifying information about the child.
Wider context and resources
Cases involving the digital exploitation of children are part of a broader national pattern. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reports millions of CyberTipline submissions every year and offers tools and reporting pathways for families and law enforcement agencies. For guidance on reporting suspected online exploitation, consult the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Legal process
If Burgos is extradited to Bay County, the case would be handled by the 14th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, which reviews cases forwarded by law enforcement and determines whether to file formal charges. According to the sheriff’s social media update, the State Attorney’s Office and Bay County officials did not release additional information about court scheduling or bail.
The sheriff’s office said it remains committed to aggressively pursuing anyone who exploits minors and encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact investigators. Officials indicated that further details would be released as the extradition and prosecution steps move ahead.
