Police Say Investigation Identified Two Victims, Seek Information About Others
By North Forty News Staff | NorthFortyNews.com
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A Fort Collins Police Services investigation that began with a human trafficking hotline tip has led to the arrest of a man accused of forcing at least two women into commercial sexual activity, according to police.
The investigation began in October 2024 after Fort Collins Police Services received information from the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking Hotline about a possible trafficking victim who had been living in Fort Collins.
Detectives conducted numerous interviews with victims and witnesses across multiple jurisdictions. According to police, investigators determined that Jason Battaglia, 56, forced at least two women to engage in commercial sexual activity for money or services on multiple occasions.
Battaglia was booked into the Larimer County Jail on Tuesday, Aug. 25, on two counts of human trafficking for sexual servitude, one count of pimping and one count of money laundering, all Class 3 felonies. He also faces one Class 5 felony count of pandering.
Bond was set at $500,000.
Investigators said details uncovered during the investigation have raised concerns that there could be additional victims. Police said Battaglia has been known to use the nickname “Kowboy.”
Anyone with information about Battaglia or the incidents who has not already spoken with investigators is asked to contact Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.
Fort Collins Police credited Homeland Security Investigations and the Park County Sheriff’s Office with assisting in the investigation.
The charges are accusations, and Battaglia is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source: Fort Collins Police Services, Aug. 28, 2026
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