Officer Charged With Attempted Exploitation of a Child
Published on February 04, 2026
Contact: fcpsmedia@fortcollins.gov
On October 17, 2025, Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) launched an internal investigation following an allegation of misconduct by one of its officers during his handling of a case. A woman notified FCPS that the officer, Andrew James Cirone (DOB 08/14/1994), had made inappropriate requests to her adult daughter for explicit images from when she was a juvenile. As this was an allegation of misconduct, FCPS began an internal review to determine the facts related to the complaint and to ensure fair treatment of the complainant, witnesses, and the employee. When the administrative investigation was initiated, Cirone was reassigned, per policy, and was removed from any role in the agency that might interact with the public.
The internal investigation revealed potential criminal components, and so a criminal investigation was also initiated. FCPS thoroughly reviewed witness statements, body worn camera footage, case reports, and other evidence and found Cirone had failed on multiple occasions to adhere to standard investigative procedures outlined by FCPS policy and Colorado Revised Statutes. On December 30, Cirone was placed on paid administrative leave and detectives continued follow-up for additional evidence in the case.
Based on evidence gathered during the criminal investigation into his alleged inappropriate requests made to a female victim, Cirone turned himself into the Larimer County Jail on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and was booked for the following charges:
• Class 6 Felony - Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child (1 Count)
• Class 1 Misdemeanor – First Degree Official Misconduct (1 Count)
“As public servants, there are clear expectations for police conduct,” said FCPS Chief of Police, Jeff Swoboda. “And while our agency cannot publicly discuss the specifics of the case right now, I want our Fort Collins community to know that we are committed to transparency even when it concerns the misconduct of one of our own employees. Accountability is essential to maintaining public trust, and we will continue to cooperate fully with all appropriate reviews to ensure our actions reflect the standards our community expects and deserves.”
The alleged requests do not relate to the victim’s current age, but rather to the period when she was a juvenile. Detectives are concerned there may be more victims or witnesses of additional criminal behavior connected to this case. Anyone who believes they are a victim or has additional related information is asked to contact the FCPS Tipline at (970) 416-2125, or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at (970) 221-6868.
Due to the seriousness of the allegations, the case will also be examined by the Citizen Review Board as outlined in City and Agency policy. Cirone has been employed with FCPS since 2018 and was assigned to the downtown unit, District 1.
Charges are merely an accusation by law enforcement, and the suspect must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.