On October 19, 2020, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of sexual crimes involving a juvenile at a residence in unincorporated El Paso County. The case was assigned to detectives from the Special Victims Unit (SVU), who launched an extensive and complex investigation.
By April 2022, detectives had developed probable cause to arrest 49-year-old Bobby Allen Stark on multiple charges, including Sexual Assault on a Child, Retaliation Against a Witness or Victim, Intimidation of a Witness or Victim, Bribing a Witness or Victim, and multiple counts of Child Abuse.
On April 30, 2022, Stark was taken into custody and booked into the El Paso County Jail, initially held without bond. Following his first court appearance, his bond was reduced to $25,000. He posted bond and was released from custody on May 2, 2022.
During the investigation, detectives learned Stark had adopted the victim and subjected her to repeated abuse, including threats involving a firearm. After losing custody of the child through a court order, Stark attempted to kidnap her, claiming he intended to take her with him so she could “be his wife.” Investigators found evidence Stark tracked the child’s location, waited for an opportunity to abduct her, and even provided her with a phone to maintain communication despite her being relocated for safety.
After posting bond, Stark fled the United States. For several months, his whereabouts remained unknown. Authorities later received information Stark was hiding in Guyana, South America. Working closely with international and federal partners, investigators confirmed his location.
On May 12, 2023, the Guyana Police Force Criminal Investigations Department arrested Stark in Guyana, South America.
This successful apprehension was the result of a coordinated effort involving the Guyana Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Guyana, the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and the United States Marshals Service (USMS).
Federal agencies extradited Stark to the United States in late May 2023 and transferred him to the El Paso County Jail in May 2024 to face his charges.
On May 9, 2025, Bobby Allen Stark was sentenced to 10 years to life in the Colorado Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust.
“This case underscores the critical importance of law enforcement agencies working together with our federal and international partners to bring child predators to justice,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “This individual shattered the innocence of a child and should never have had the chance to leave jail, much less continue trying to manipulate and reach his victim.
“I’ve said before, our commitment at the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is unwavering when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable and pursuing justice. I am proud of the relentless work done by our investigators and partners to ensure this predator is held fully accountable.”
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office sincerely thanks our partner agencies for their critical assistance.
