Beginning in July of 2023, Fort Collins Police began investigating numerous cases involving a suspect who was observed masturbating outside businesses in view of employees. Many of the incidents occurred at local coffee shops, and in at least one of these cases, the victim was a juvenile. Fort Collins Police NET (Neighborhood Engagement Team) Officers and Crimes Against Persons Detectives investigated these incidents and ultimately identified Stephen Masalta (12/14/1991) as the suspect.

This morning, February 20, 2024, Fort Collins Police Detectives and Officers from the Neighborhood Engagement Team served a search warrant at Masalta’s Fort Collins residence.

Masalta was arrested booked into the Larimer County Jail on 14 counts of Indecent Exposure, a Class 1 Misdemeanor. Fort Collins Police are working with law enforcement entities across the state to determine if Masalta is responsible for additional cases. The investigation is ongoing, but police believe there may be additional victims who have not reported to police or may have additional information regarding Masalta. Anyone with information, who has not reported to law enforcement, is asked to contact Fort Collins Police Officer Dalton Brown at (970) 416-2825. All charges are merely an accusation by law enforcement, and the suspect must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

“These brazen criminal acts are deeply troubling for both the community and Fort Collins Police. I’m grateful for the dedicated work that our teams did to identify and apprehend this suspect,” said Fort Collins Police Assistant Chief Adam McCambridge who oversees the Special Operations Division of the Fort Collins Police Department.