Colorado Dentist Arrested for Attempted Child Enticement in Florida

A Colorado dentist, Dr. James Jason Atha, 50, was arrested at Palm Beach International Airport on August 9 after allegedly traveling to Florida to meet a mother and her eight-year-old daughter for sexual purposes. The mother was, in fact, an undercover investigator. Atha reportedly engaged in a ten-month online conversation with the individual, expressing a desire to engage in sexual acts with the fictitious child, according to a 27-page federal indictment. During the exchanges, Atha made explicit comments about his intentions, including a message stating, “I would love to find mother-daughter to play with.” He also admitted to the undercover agent that he had not previously engaged in sexual relations with a mother-daughter pair, expressing frustration over missed opportunities. The agent repeatedly confirmed Atha's intentions, to which he allegedly responded affirmatively. Upon his arrest, Atha waived his Miranda rights and confessed to traveling to Florida to witness sexual acts between the undercover agent and her daughter. Investigators later discovered child pornography on his phone and evidence of his participation in online chat rooms discussing incest and other taboo subjects. Atha is now charged with attempted enticement of a minor, facing a potential life sentence. Atha, who founded Alpine Dentistry in Boulder, Colorado, is no longer employed there, though it remains unclear whether he resigned or was terminated. His pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled for Friday, as the case continues to unfold.