Pueblo Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Attempted Sexual Assault and Exploitation of Minors

A 21-year-old Pueblo man was sentenced to 8 years for child sexual exploitation. Evidence of abuse and illicit material was found on his phone.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 6:25 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from KKTV

Judicial Proceedings and Sentencing

A Pueblo man has been ordered to serve nearly a decade in state prison for crimes involving the exploitation of children. On Friday, the 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing of 21 year old Phoenix Moncivais-Likes. The court imposed an eight-year prison term, which officials described as the maximum sentence permitted under the terms of a previously established plea agreement. Moncivais-Likes had formally pleaded guilty in August 2025 to charges of attempted sexual assault on a child and sexual exploitation of a child.

Investigation and Evidence Recovery

The criminal case began after the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force received a tip regarding child sexual abuse material (CSAM) linked to Moncivais-Likes. Following this lead, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the suspect's residence. Upon forensic examination of his mobile phone, deputies uncovered not only the reported CSAM but also digital logs of conversations detailing plans to assault two minor victims related to the defendant. The investigation also revealed evidence of bestiality, although the associated animal cruelty charge was eventually dismissed as part of the legal negotiations.

Law Enforcement and DA Response

Local authorities emphasized the severity of the case and the importance of protecting vulnerable members of the community. In a statement released following the sentencing, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for the court's decision to utilize the full extent of the sentencing range provided in the plea deal. "Protecting children is our highest priority," the office noted, highlighting the collaborative effort between local deputies and federal task forces to secure the conviction.