UPDATE | March 2, 2026 — Joel Kaufman was sentenced to 156 years to life in the Department of Corrections.
UPDATE | Jan. 23, 2026 — Joel Kaufman pleaded not guilty to a 36 charges against him and was convicted on almost all, with two dismissed by the court. His sentencing on Jan. 22, 2026 was delayed until March 2.
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WELD COUNTY, Colo. — A Florida man was arrested in Weld County on suspicion of internet luring and other charges, the Weld County Sheriff's Office announced.
Joel Kaufman, 47, was arrested on the following charges:
- Two counts of criminal attempt to commit a Class 5 or Class 6 felony
- Two counts of enticement of a child - human trafficking
- Two counts of internet luring of a child
- Two counts of internet sexual exploitation of a child
According to the sheriff's office, Kaufman traveled from Florida "with the alleged expectation he would be engaging in sex with girls aged 10 and 14."
Kaufman was booked into the Weld County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing, according to the sheriff's office.
