Adams County Defendant Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Human Trafficking, Child Exploitation, and Sexual Assault

Brighton, CO – District Attorney Brian Mason announced today the conviction and sentence for William Tidwell, 52, following his conviction on multiple felony charges, including Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Sexual Assault. 

Tidwell was the subject of an extensive investigation by local and federal law enforcement, which uncovered evidence that he manipulated and coerced vulnerable individuals into exploitative situations through psychological abuse, threats, and physical violence. Authorities revealed that he lured young women under the guise of providing them stability and support, only to control them through coercion and force, ultimately subjecting them to sexual servitude. 

Tidwell maintained a structured environment of fear and submission, where victims were forced to follow strict rules and endure physical and sexual abuse. Some were isolated from family and friends, with Tidwell controlling their finances, movements, and personal lives. Investigators found that he targeted vulnerable individuals, particularly young women in difficult life situations, grooming them through emotional manipulation before escalating to outright exploitation. 

Authorities also discovered thousands of illicit images and videos on Tidwell’s electronic devices, including child sexual abuse material. He not only exploited women under his control but also actively sought out minors online, engaging in predatory conversations and attempting to recruit additional victims. Evidence showed that he directed and profited from sex work involving multiple victims, further solidifying his role as a trafficker. Tidwell’s crimes in Adams County occurred between July 2020 and July 2023.  

“This was a calculated predator who built a system of control designed to exploit and abuse young women,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “He preyed on vulnerable individuals, using lies, intimidation, and violence to manipulate his victims into submission. His actions were outrageous, and he richly deserves the prison sentence he received today. Human trafficking is real – it happens here in Adams County and throughout Colorado. My office aggressively prosecutes those who commit these horrific crimes. We all must be vigilant to protect our community from those who prey on the vulnerable among us.” 

Tidwell pleaded guilty to the following charges: 

• Attempted Sexual Assault on a Child – Victim 15-18 (F5) 
• Assault in the Second Degree – Causing Serious Bodily Injury (F4)

• Human Trafficking for Sexual Servitude (F3) 
• Sexual Exploitation of a Child – Possession of Exploitative Material – Depicts Child Under 12 (F5) 

On March 5, 2025, Adams County District Court Judge Jeffrey Ruff sentenced Tidwell to 20 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. In addition to his prison sentence, Tidwell is required to register as a sex offender for life and will be under strict supervision upon release. 

Senior Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Sisk, of the Special Victims Unit, led the prosecution of Tidwell’s cases.  

This investigation was the result of collaboration between law enforcement from the Northglenn Police Department, the FBI, as well as agencies in Boulder, Clear Creek County, and Idaho Springs and community partner From Silenced to Saved. 

Tidwell pleaded guilty to Sex Assault – No Consent in a related case in Boulder County. He will be sentenced on that case on March 14, 2025.  

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