On May 3, 2024, the FBI field office contacted the Fort Collins Police Services Cyber Crimes Unit (FCPS CCU) regarding a child enticement case and a suspect residing in Fort Collins. The FBI advised FCPS that in November of 2023 an FBI Special Agent working online in an undercover capacity made an online post as a fictitious stepfather looking to converse with anyone interested in sexual intercourse with his children. A Fort Collins resident, Marc Risheill (DOB 08/01/79) responded through the website that he was interested in talking about the subject. The dialogue, via e-mail, took place over several months with the main topic being explicit sexual conduct regarding the undercover’s fictitious 9-year-old stepdaughter. Mr. Risheill specifically described sexual conduct he wanted to have with the fictitious child and set an in-person meeting in Fort Collins. FCPS CCU ultimately took the lead on the investigation, with the FBI assisting.

On June 4, 2024, FCPS CCU—with the assistance of FCPS’s Special Weapons And Tactics Unit, Criminal Impact Unit, Forensic Services Unit, Evidence Recovery Team, Victim Services, and the FBI—conducted an operation to follow and observe Mr. Risheill as he proceeded to the scheduled meeting at a local hotel. Mr. Risheill left his place of employment, stopped at a convenience store to purchase candy for the fictitious 9-year-old, and then drove to meet with the fictitious family for the purposes of sexual intercourse with a child. Upon Mr. Risheill arriving at the hotel, he was met by an undercover FCPS detective and then placed under arrest by SWAT without incident.

“A case like this weighs heavy on the hearts of any of us involved in the investigation. To tear away the safety of those in our community that are most vulnerable is unacceptable and intolerable and I am thankful to our teams and partners for the work that ultimately prevented any further violations by Mr. Risheill,” said FCPS Assistant Chief, Kristy Volesky, who leads the FCPS Criminal Investigations Division. “We urge parents to maintain candid conversations with their children about safe online practices and how to report predation attempts like this.”

Mr. Risheill was booked into the Larimer County Jail for the following:

· 18-3-305 Enticement of a Child (Class 4 Felony) - no-bond warrant – 1 count

Today, bond was set at $250,000 (cash, property, or surety). The magistrate set additional restrictions against Risheill, including no access to a smart phone or any electronics that access the internet, and no contact with anyone under the age of 18.

FCPS CCU followed up with a search warrant of Mr. Risheill’s residence and will complete further investigation into devices used for any additional crimes.

The investigation is on-going and anyone with additional related information is asked to contact FCPS Detective David Guy at 970.416.2026 or Dguy@fcgov.com. Want to start a conversation with your child about a safe online presence? Visit https://www.fcgov.com/police/internet-safety.php to read parental tips for child safety on the internet and access additional website resources for internet safety.