A 19-year-old U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton is facing multiple felony charges in Colorado after allegedly contacting and sexually exploiting underage children through social media apps. Authorities believe additional victims may still be unidentified.
Pfc. Justin Ryder Simmons, a Marine meteorology and oceanography specialist from Windsor, Colorado, was arrested on June 16 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton by San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies, acting on a warrant issued in Arapahoe County, Colorado. He was extradited on June 27 and booked into the Arapahoe County Detention Facility on a $25,000 bond, which he posted two days later. Simmons was formally charged on July 3 and is scheduled to appear in court again on August 5.
Accusations Involve Graphic Messaging and Threats
According to a partially redacted affidavit obtained by multiple outlets, Simmons is accused of using Snapchat to contact minors. He allegedly used the username “simmonsj6842” and phone number 970-308-5998 to initiate conversations with at least two middle school-aged children.
The affidavit states that Simmons allegedly sent sexually explicit photos and videos of himself, including images in uniform but exposed from the waist down. In messages recorded by investigators, Simmons reportedly offered vapes and drugs in exchange for sexual acts and later sent threats of rape to intimidate one victim into silence.
One of the children’s parents alerted school authorities after discovering the disturbing messages. Investigators say the minor initially believed the person they were speaking with was another teen.
The arrest report further alleges that Simmons made plans to meet one of the victims in Colorado for sexual activity, though that meeting never took place. The ICAC Unit used tattoos and uniform images to help identify him in the images he sent.
“Based on how the girls were found and they were not known to him, I believe that there could be additional people that he was speaking to,” said Jamie Wright, an investigator with the Arapahoe County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit.
Charges Filed
Simmons is currently facing the following felony charges under Colorado law:
- Sexual Exploitation of a Child – Induce/Entice (2 counts)
- Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child (2 counts)
- Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Authorities have emphasized that this is an open and active investigation, and they are urging potential victims or anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Tip Line at 720-874-8477.
Military Status and Potential Separation
Simmons enlisted in the Marine Corps less than a year ago and was assigned to the School of Infantry–West at Camp Pendleton as a student, according to Marine Corps spokesperson Maj. Hector Infante.
Although Simmons remains on active duty as of this writing, military attorneys say that service members charged with felony crimes—particularly those involving child exploitation—are often processed for administrative separation, even before a civilian conviction.
“There’s a 99.9% chance of an ‘Other Than Honorable’ discharge in a case like this,” Cody Harnish, a former Army JAG officer now practicing military law privately, told CBS News in Colorado. “It can happen purely based on the arrest and charges.”
An “Other Than Honorable” discharge results in loss of all military benefits, and the servicemember becomes ineligible for reenlistment, even if the criminal case is still pending.
According to a spokesperson from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the agency helped facilitate Simmons’ transfer to civilian authorities but did not conduct its own investigation.
What Comes Next
Simmons is expected back in Arapahoe County Court on August 5, where prosecutors may present additional evidence or formalize further charges if more victims are identified.
NBC7 San Diego, CBS Colorado, and Military.com all reported that contact information for Simmons’ attorney was unavailable, and the phone number listed by investigators was disconnected when reached by reporters.
If you or someone you know may have been contacted by Simmons or has information about this case, call the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office at 720-874-8477.
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