A Fort Carson sergeant first class is facing felony charges after a sweeping, nine-month investigation uncovered more than 7,000 images and videos of alleged child sexual exploitation material across multiple electronic devices.
According to court records obtained by The Gazette and reporting from CBS Colorado, Sgt. First Class Marquez Parker, 38, of Fountain, Colorado, was arrested last week and charged with one felony count of possession of child sexual exploitation material and another felony count for distribution. Investigators from several agencies believe Parker may have personally created some of the illegal material found on his devices.
Metadata linked to some of the seized files suggests that portions were recorded in residential areas of Colorado Springs. Investigators have not yet determined specific addresses or identified several of the victims.
The case originated in February, after a Fountain Police Department detective received a report that child sexual abuse material had been exchanged over Facebook Messenger in October 2023. Search warrants executed in February and March led authorities to electronic devices allegedly containing thousands of files. The warrants also revealed messages in which Parker and a woman in another state appeared to discuss allowing him to sexually assault her 12-year-old daughter in exchange for goods and food. The FBI is conducting an active investigation into that allegation.
Fort Carson’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) joined the case early on and later requested to become the lead agency. CID then sought assistance from the FBI and the Colorado Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is led by the Colorado Springs Police Department. CSPD learned during a Nov. 7 briefing that CID had already located more than 7,000 images and videos, including some that investigators say depict Parker himself.
Some of the seized devices are still undergoing forensic processing at Fort Hood, Texas. Authorities believe additional files may contain unidentified child victims from the Colorado Springs area.
Parker is a member of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. A Fort Carson official confirmed he has served nearly 15 years in the Army and has received the Meritorious Service Medal along with 12 other awards. Public records show he has lived at 7758 Sandy Springs Point in Fountain since January 2024, though investigators have not confirmed whether any crimes occurred at that residence.
According to El Paso County court records, Parker made his first appearance and is scheduled for another hearing on November 19 at 3:00 p.m.
CBS Colorado reported that arrest documents also reference attempts by Parker to meet with a minor for sex. He remains under investigation by multiple agencies. The Salty Soldier has submitted requests for more infomation to some of these agencies.
The Army has not publicly commented beyond confirming Parker’s unit assignment.
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