Colorado law enforcement apprehended LGBTQ activist Sean Pinion, 31, of El Paso County, on April 15, following a comprehensive investigation initiated in late 2022, culminating in charges of sexual exploitation of a child.

Andy Ngo investigates: A prominent Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ activist has been arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of a child. He quickly bonded out on a $20,000 hold. Sean Pinion, president of the Pikes Peak Art Council, promoted dangerous trans chest binding devices for… pic.twitter.com/4UaqrqUd4k

— Andy Ngo 🏳️‍🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) April 18, 2024

Pinion’s arrest, charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a child, as reported by KKTV, comes after Colorado Springs Police launched an inquiry in November 2022, targeting individuals disseminating child sexual abuse material online. Despite facing hurdles in tracking the suspect linked to multiple addresses in El Paso County in 2023, detectives persisted in their efforts.

In December 2023, detectives zeroed in on a potential address in the Security-Widefield neighborhood, leading to an intensive surveillance operation. On April 11, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant at the location, located northeast of US 85-87 and Mesa Ridge Parkway in the 200 block of Dexter Street. Four days later, Pinion was taken into custody.

Court records indicate that Pinion was initially held in El Paso County Jail on a $20,000 bond but has since been released pending further legal proceedings.

Pinion’s arrest reverberated within the advocacy community, particularly at the Pikes Peak Arts Council, where he served as president of the board. In response to the developments, the council issued a statement to 11 News, formally removing Pinion from his position, affirming a zero-tolerance policy against such actions. The council stressed its unwavering commitment to community safety and disavowed any association with Pinion’s alleged actions.

Pinion is slated to appear in court on April 24 as the legal process unfolds amidst heightened scrutiny and community repercussions.