The case against a Steamboat local accused of possessing 14 videos and photos of child sexual abuse material was transferred from Routt County Court to the 14th Judicial District Court during a status conference Wednesday.

Michael Lake, 20, of Steamboat Springs, was arrested July 31 and charged with 15 counts of sexual exploitation of a child as Class 4 and Class 5 felonies.

In May 2025, Steamboat Springs police received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, providing information regarding Lake’s alleged connection to sexually explicit photos and videos of children dating back to June 2024, states the affidavit for arrest.

Following the tip, a search warrant for Lake’s residence, located on Blue Sage Circle, was approved in June this year.

Steamboat Springs police officers, Routt County sheriff’s deputies and the Routt County SWAT Team searched the residence on July 9.

During the search, police collected Lake’s cell phone from his vehicle, as well as his laptop from his bedroom and other electronics and electronic storage devices, according to the affidavit.

On July 17, police allegedly found 14 videos and photos of children, “approximately 4 years in age to preteen-aged children performing sexual acts and engaging in sexual intercourse with adult males,” on Lake’s cell phone, the affidavit states.

During a status conference at the Routt County Combined Courts on Wednesday, Lake’s attorney, Sean Brown, requested that the case be pended to district court rather than seeking a “misdemeanor resolution” in the combined courts.

Lake appeared for the status conference virtually, joined by family members.

Brown stated that Lake, his family and Deputy District Attorney Joseph Bucci were aware of the decision to take the case to district court prior to the status conference.

Routt County Judge Erin Wilson noted that Lake’s case does not qualify for a preliminary hearing, which is a hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to take a case to trial.

District Court Judge Billy-George Hertzke will preside over the case moving forward.

Lake’s next court date is scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 18.

Editor’s note: Every person accused of a crime is presumed to be innocent unless and until their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.