Content Warning: This story involves allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor.
Note: Detectives have expressed concerns regarding additional victims or witnesses of criminal behavior connected to this case. Anyone who believes they are a victim or have information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Fort Collins Police Service Tipline at (970) 416-2125 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at (970) 221-6868.
This case involves accusations. The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By LAUREN JONES
The Ramspondents
A Fort Collins police officer has been taken into custody following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate solicitation. These requests are connected to a past case involving a juvenile, according to a Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) press release.
An FCPS internal investigation began on Oct. 17, 2025, following allegations of misconduct by one of its officers while handling a case.
A Fort Collins mother notified the department that the officer, Andrew James Cirone, made inappropriate requests to her adult daughter for explicit childhood images.
The administrative investigation aimed to ensure fair treatment of all parties involved. When it opened, Cirone was reassigned under department policy and removed from any role involving public interaction.
The process identified potential misdemeanor and felony components, prompting the initiation of a separate criminal investigation.
Evidence collected and reviewed included body camera footage, witness statements, and case reports. The investigators also found that Cirone repeatedly failed to adhere to standard investigative procedures outlined in department policy and the Colorado Revised Statutes.
Cirone was placed on administrative leave on Dec. 30.
Based on the evidence against him, Cirone turned himself in to the Larimer County Jail on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
He was charged with one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class 6 felony, and one count of first-degree official misconduct, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
“As public servants, there are clear expectations for police conduct,” Fort Collins Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said. “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.”
The case will be examined by the Citizen Review Board under city and agency policy. Cirone has been working for FCPS since 2018 as part of the downtown unit, District 1.
Lauren Jones is a third-year psychology major at Colorado State University with a minor in journalistic reporting and storytelling. She is passionate about human behavior, global issues, and ethical reporting.