Key Takeaways
- Jesus Adam Chacon, 36, has been arrested on 25 counts of sexual assault on a child in Colorado
- The reported incidents occurred at his home and at a church in Fort Lupton
- Civil action may provide a pathway for survivors to seek accountability from institutions, including churches, that failed to protect them.
Fort Lupton Man Arrested Following Child Sexual Abuse Allegations
On March 10, 2026, deputies with the Weld County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call near Fort Lupton, Colorado, where a juvenile female reported that she had been allegedly sexually assaulted by Chacon, a family friend, on several occasions over the course of about four years.
During the investigation, it was discovered that “Chacon supervised the nursery at First United Methodist Church in Fort Lupton, where he had been responsible for the victim multiple times” (Greely Tribune)
Investigators found probable cause and arrested Chacon on March 24, 2026, on suspicion of 25 counts of sexual assault on a child, position of trust/pattern of abuse.
Detectives are encouraging anyone with information related to this case to contact Detective Jeremy Mclaughlan at (970) 400-5816.
At the time of this writing, Chacon is being held in custody at the Weld County Jail.
Chacon was Called the “The Pied Piper”
Publicly available information suggests that Jesus Adam Chacon, also known as “Jessie,” was actively involved in the First United Methodist Church Fort Lupton for years prior to his arrest.
A photograph shared by the church in 2014 appears to show Chacon tagged at a church event, and a video posted on May 10, 2020, features him reading a poem for Mother’s Day.
Church social media posts further describe Chacon as a central figure for the children of the church.
In a 2022 post, he was referred to as the “Pied Piper of our Children’s ministries,” with the church stating he was “such a blessing to us all in our church, community, and beyond.”
According to one post, he had a “wonderful rapport with the children.”
Additional posts highlight the impact he appeared to have on children, including these statements:
“Jesse Chacon had the Children’s Sermon – Mart and I call him the Pied Piper of the kids – they just love him, and so do we!”
“Jesse talked about how much working with the kids means to him”
“Jesse Chacon had the children’s sermon and always has the children – and adults – leaning forward in rapt attention. “
“Jesse Chacon’s ministry, the ‘Pied Piper’ of 1st Methodist! Several of the children spoke on the video of what Jesse means to them and one summarized it so well when he said, ‘Jesse makes Sunday School fun, I love him!’”
Taken together, these descriptions illustrate the level of familiarity, trust, and influence he had within the church—where he was likely entrusted with direct and repeated access to young children over extended periods of time.
The Significance of the “Pied Piper” Description
The fact that Chacon was described as the “Pied Piper of our Children’s ministries” is significant.
The phrase “Pied Piper” originates from German folklore and has become a widely recognized metaphor. While can be used to describe a charismatic individual who attracts followers, the term is not inherently a compliment. In its original context, the Pied Piper is a figure who leads children away from their community—after which they are never seen again, with some versions of the story suggesting they vanish or come to harm.
In modern usage, the phrase can carry that dual meaning: someone who is able to draw others in through charm and influence, particularly children.
Church posts describing Chacon emphasized that children were drawn to him, that they “loved him,” and that he had a strong ability to connect with young participants. For young children especially, trust is often given freely and without question. Experts note that, in some cases, individuals who seek close, trusted relationships with children may use that trust to gradually blur boundaries, a dynamic often referred to as grooming.
Understanding this dynamic is important. It reinforces the need for strong safeguards, active oversight, and accountability, particularly in environments where children are encouraged to form close relationships with adults in positions of trust.
A Church’s Responsibility
When allegations arise in settings designed to care for young children, such as a church nursery, the focus often extends beyond the individual accused to the systems and safeguards that may have failed to prevent the abuse.
First United Methodist Church Fort Lupton has described its youth programming as providing “safe, fun, age-appropriate options” where “every child is respected.” Nursery care is offered for children ages 0 to 4 during services.
Chacon was a nursery supervisor with access to very young children. When this level of access exists, it raises important questions about how individuals were selected, what screening or background checks were conducted, and what supervision or oversight was in place. It may also raise questions about whether any concerns were identified and, if so, how they were addressed.
Churches have a legal and moral duty to protect the children in their care. It’s not enough to just say that the environment is safe. Policies must be actively implemented and enforced so that children are protected.
Civil Accountability and Legal Options for Survivors
Criminal proceedings will determine individual accountability for Chacon. Separately, civil action can provide a pathway to examine whether an institution fulfilled its legal duty to protect children in its care.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may have the right to pursue civil claims against individuals and institutions whose action or inaction allowed abuse to occur. Civil litigation can examine whether warning signs were missed, whether safeguards were in place, and whether appropriate steps were taken to prevent harm.
These cases can help to provide survivors with access to financial support for therapy, counseling, treatment, and overall long-term recovery.
Coming forward about sexual abuse can feel overwhelming, particularly when allegations involve someone who was once a trusted community leader.
If you or someone you love were harmed by Jesus Adam Chacon or someone else in a position of trust, you do not have to navigate this process alone.
The attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote represent survivors of sexual abuse nationwide. Our firm has extensive experience handling cases involving churches and other institutions entrusted with the safety of children.
We offer free, confidential case evaluations to help survivors understand their rights and explore the legal options that may be available to them. Our team approaches every case with compassion for survivors and a commitment to holding institutions accountable.
Contact us today.
Image sources: Jesus Adam Chacon, courtesy of Weld County Sheriff’s Office. First United Methodist Church in Fort Lupton, © Google, via Google Maps.
