Warren County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Out-of-State Man in Online Child Exploitation Sting

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has arrested an out-of-state man following an undercover operation aimed at identifying individuals who use the internet to solicit minors for sexual purposes.

The investigation was part of an ongoing effort to proactively protect children in Warren County and the Town of Front Royal by targeting online predators before they can cause harm. Investigators posed as minors on electronic platforms commonly used for communication and social interaction.

During the operation, an adult male initiated online contact with an undercover investigator who was portraying a 14-year-old girl. According to authorities, the suspect engaged in conversations that quickly escalated and included plans to meet the juvenile in Front Royal for sexual activity.

The suspect arranged a meeting location and traveled to the area as planned. When he arrived, the sheriff’s office personnel took him into custody without incident.

Joseph E. Kozak, Colorado Springs, CO. Charges: • § 18.2-374.3. Use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children. (X2 Counts) • § 18.2-370 Taking Indecent Liberties w/ Child • § 18.2-250 Possession of Controlled Substance

The suspect was identified as Joseph E. Kozak, 39, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Investigators determined Kozak was operating a commercial tractor-trailer and traveling across multiple states at the time he arranged the meeting, making the case an instance of interstate criminal activity.

Following his arrest, Kozak was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, according to the sheriff’s office.

Kozak was transported to the Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren (RSW) Regional Jail, where he appeared before a magistrate. He was ordered held without bond. His court date is scheduled for January 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Sheriff Crystal M. Cline said the case underscores the serious risks children face online.

“This case highlights how easily predators can reach children through electronic devices and online platforms,” Cline said. “In this case, the suspect traveled across multiple states to meet a child. If this had involved a real victim, the outcome could have been devastating.”

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office urged parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s online activity, to discuss internet safety regularly, and to report suspicious or inappropriate communications as soon as they occur.

The sheriff’s office is an active member of the Northern Virginia/DC Metro Internet Crimes Against Children (NOVA/DC ICAC) Task Force, which is coordinated by the Virginia State Police. The task force focuses on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals involved in the exploitation of children through online platforms.

Anyone with information related to the solicitation or exploitation of a minor is encouraged to contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Questions regarding this case may be directed to Lt. M.R. Ramey at (540) 635-7100 or by email at mramey@warrencountysheriff.org.