Investigators Search Ashland Apartment in Child Exploitation Investigation
Authorities say an unidentified suspect sent more than 2,000 child sexual abuse material images to an undercover investigator
ASHLAND, Ore. — Investigators served a search warrant at an Ashland apartment Wednesday as part of an ongoing child exploitation investigation involving more than 2,000 images of child sexual abuse material allegedly sent to an undercover investigator.
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team, or SOCET, served the July 22 warrant at an apartment in the 400 block of Russell Street with assistance from multiple local, state and federal agencies.
A Central Point Police officer searches a bedroom during the July 22 execution of a child exploitation investigation warrant at an apartment in the 400 block of Russell Street in Ashland. Photo courtesy JCSO/SOCET
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, SOCET investigators received more than 2,000 images of child sexual abuse material directly from an unidentified suspect during the investigation.
Investigators interviewed potential witnesses and other involved parties while serving the warrant and seized digital devices from the apartment.
Those devices will be examined by the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force for possible additional evidence related to child exploitation.
Authorities said investigators are still working to identify the suspect. Once a suspect is identified, the case will be referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges.
The warrant operation included personnel from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Department, Medford Police Department, Central Point Police Department, Talent Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force.
SOCET was formed in 2020 as a multi-agency effort focused on investigating child exploitation crimes in Southern Oregon. The team includes investigators from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Investigators continue to examine the seized devices and interview witnesses. Authorities said no additional details are being released at this time.
Cover image: A federal agent examines a computer workstation inside an Ashland apartment searched Wednesday as part of an ongoing Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team investigation. Photo courtesy JCSO/SOCET
