A Fort Collins man has been arrested for creating and possessing child sexual abuse images and videos.

In August 2023, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office received a cybercrime tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC shared information about images showing sexual abuse of young children; possession of these images was associated with an unknown suspect in unincorporated Larimer County.

Through an extensive investigation, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Fort Collins resident Christopher Kyle Shaffar (DOB 11/25/1984). Investigators conducted a search warrant at his home in November 2023. Following months of processing digital forensic evidence, investigators found more than 3,700 sexually graphic images and videos of infants, children, and teens. They determined that the suspect knew and had contact with two children featured in hundreds of the exploitative photos.

An arrest warrant was issued for Shaffer for the following charges:

• Sexual Exploitation of a Child - Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Materials (F3)
• Sexual Exploitation of a Child - Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials - videos (F5)
• Sexual Exploitation of a Child - Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials - images (F5)
• Unlawful Sexual Contact (F4)
• Invasion of Privacy for Sexual Gratification (F6)

Shaffar was arrested and booked into the Larimer County Jail in late January 2025. A booking photo is attached. He was issued a $400,000 cash-only bond by the Larimer County Court.

“These cases are tough cases to work on a lot of levels,” said Sgt. Tyson Russell, who leads the LCSO Criminal Impact Unit. “Fortunately, we have a strong team that’s constantly working to get predators off the street.”

Anyone with information about this suspect or investigation is asked to contact Investigator Justin Atwood at (970) 498-5143. People who want to stay anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at (970) 221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org. The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

“Child pornography" is the term previously used to describe sexually exploitative images and videos. In order to more accurately reflect the abusive nature of the crime, "child sexual abuse materials" (or CSAM) is now the language used to describe this content. Learn more: RAINN.