Dec. 8, 2011 - Boulder police arrest youth hockey coach on internet exploitation charges

Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011
Contact: Kim Kobel, Boulder Police, 303-441-3370

Boulder police arrest youth hockey coach on internet exploitation charges

Boulder police have arrested 23-year-old Zachary Meints (DOB 7/21/1987) of Boulder on five counts of suspicion of Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child. Meints is a youth hockey coach. This series of events allegedly began in September of 2009 when Meints was employed by the Boulder Hockey Club.  Boulder police investigators were first notified about the allegations on Sept. 28, 2011.

Boulder police executed a search warrant of Meints’ phone and computer, and notified hockey club administration and members after the initial allegation. This search warrant has been sealed by the courts.  The arrest warrant is also sealed.

So far, police have interviewed 13 potential victims/witnesses. Several of the interviews yielded more potential witnesses and victims, and police have learned that five of those victims were under the age of 15 at the time the alleged exploitation occurred.

It’s possible that other victims and witnesses have not yet come forward, and police are urging anyone with information about this crime to contact the Boulder Police Department’s Tip Line at 303-441-1974. Detective Kurt Foster is the lead detective on this case, and all pertinent information will be relayed to him.  The case number is 11-12822.

Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.

As a reminder to parents, detectives offer these tips to ensure the safety of their children. Parents should pay attention to the following:

• Mood changes
• Declining school grades
• Sexualized behavior
• Secretive behavior
• Not sleeping or eating well
• Abnormal relationship with an adult

Parents who may be concerned about their child’s welfare should monitor their cell phone and computer use. It’s also a good idea to talk to kids about what kind of behavior is appropriate or inappropriate. And always, report anything suspicious to police.

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 January 2013 11:47