MEDFORD, Ore. (Sep. 2, 2026) — Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies served a search warrant Wednesday at a residence in northwest Medford as part of an investigation into the alleged purchase of child sexual abuse material from a darknet website, authorities said.
Homeland Security Investigations, along with the Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team, served the warrant Sept. 2 at a residence in the 3000 block of Marilee Street in northwest Medford.
The investigation originated from a darknet investigation in which German investigators identified a potential suspect in the Medford area. Investigators served the warrant after child sexual abuse material was purchased from a darknet website.
During the search, investigators seized digital devices that will undergo forensic examination by the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force for additional evidence of potential child exploitation.
Investigators also interviewed potential witnesses and other involved parties at the scene. Authorities said they are working to identify the suspect and refer any criminal charges to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Several agencies assisted with the operation, including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Medford Police Department and the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team, known as SOCET, is a multi-agency task force formed in June 2020 to investigate and combat child exploitation. The team includes investigators from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Police Department, Oregon Department of Justice ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations, as well as prosecutors from local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson County.
The Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force is a separate joint agency team consisting of investigators from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Medford Police Department.
Investigators continue to examine the seized devices and interview witnesses as the investigation proceeds. Authorities said no further details will be released at this time.
No criminal charges have been announced in connection with the investigation.
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