Undercover Operation Leads to Arrests of Six Suspected Online Child Predators

Courtesy of JCSO

Medford, Oregon- In a month-long undercover operation aimed at identifying adults victimizing children online, the Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force successfully apprehended six suspects across Oregon. The operation targeted dangerous cyber predators utilizing the internet to arrange meetings with local children for sexual activities.

Under the leadership of SOCET, undercover law enforcement officers assumed online personas as minors, engaging suspects who sought sexual encounters with children. Despite being informed of the minors’ ages, suspects persisted in sending sexually explicit messages, photos, and detailed requests for illicit activities.

This intricate operation involved the collaboration of numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Marshals Service, Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Oregon State Police (OSP), and local police departments such as the Medford Police Department (MPD) and Central Point Police Department. Additionally, prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office provided essential support.

The arrests began on January 30th with Gabriel Julian Harrison-Swinden, 29, of White City, charged with multiple offenses including online sexual corruption of a child and luring a minor. Kelly Patrick Ramsey, 57, of Central Point, was also arrested on the same day on similar charges.

Subsequent arrests included Steven Eugene Fitzgerald Buckner, 33, of Tigard, Ore., who was apprehended on February 3rd and faces federal charges for online coercion and enticement of a minor. Cayden James Vasquez, 25, of Medford, was arrested on February 27th, while Andrew P Jones, 41, of Milwaukie, and Steven Charles Newstrom, 66, of Redmond, were arrested on March 12th and March 13th, respectively.

Investigators suspect that the arrested individuals may have victimized children not only in Oregon but also across the United States. They urge anyone with relevant information to contact the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333, referencing the respective case numbers.

Additionally, authorities emphasize the possibility of additional victims and encourage anyone with pertinent information to reach out to their local law enforcement agency or use the JCSO App “Submit a Tip” feature.

For more information or to provide tips, individuals can download the Sheriff’s App at https://apps.myocv.com/share/a72997501.