Ivan Gandara Sentenced to 22 Years

Today, Ivan Banuelos Gandara was sentenced to 22 years in the Department of Corrections, followed by 10 years of Sex Offender Intensive Supervised Probation. In March, Mr. Gandara pled guilty to Human Trafficking a Minor for Sexual Servitude, a class two felony, and Sexual Exploitation of a Child-Video, a class four felony. 

In early 2024, detectives from the Loveland Police Department responded to a report of the sexual assault of a minor. Eventually, it was determined that the numerous crimes had been committed in unincorporated Larimer County; therefore, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office took over the case and filed charges. The victim, who was 13-years-old at the time, reported that Mr. Gandara had been forcing her to have sex with him in exchange for money, food, and marijuana. He also gave her money to send him videos of her with other minors, as well as nude photos of her. 

During the investigation, another minor victim was identified. Both were being sexually assaulted in exchange for money or other goods by Mr. Gandara, and were 13 years old. 

This case was screened with the 8th Judicial District Human Trafficking Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). The Human Trafficking MDT is a group led by the District Attorney’s office and is composed of law enforcement agency partners, victim service professionals, probation, child protective services, and more. The team works to identify potential victims of human trafficking, ensure thorough investigations, connect victims with appropriate resources, and refer cases for criminal charges when appropriate.

“The amount of bravery these victims showed in coming forward cannot be overstated,” said District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin. “I am so grateful to all our partners on our Human Trafficking MDT who helped in the investigation of this case and provided support services to the victims. Human trafficking cases are incredibly complex, and these partnerships enable us to ensure victims are heard and offenders held accountable.” 

For more resources on human trafficking and sexual assault: 

Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking 

https://combathumantrafficking.org/ 

National Human Trafficking Hotline

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en 

Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) Center

https://savacenter.org/