A Montrose, Colo., dance studio operator faces charges of child exploitation after allegedly taking topless photographs of two teenage girls.

John Ward, 50 (pictured, left), still has not been taken into custody because he is in Mexico, according to police.

Ward was charged after two girls, aged 13 and 16, alleged that he took photographs of them at his family home while they were wearing bikinis, according to an arrest affidavit. The girls allegedly removed their tops at his suggestion, the affidavit said. The teens were students at his Park Avenue Dance Works dance studio.

In addition to six felony counts of sexual exploitation of a child, he also faces a misdemeanor charge of suspicion of possession of child pornography, police said.

Ward was visiting his ill father in Mexico and Montrose Police Chief Gary Mecham said he had no idea when the dance studio operator would return.