Swift action by law enforcement led to the arrest of a 60-year-old man suspected of preying on a minor, following cooperation among local, state, and federal agencies. The Portland Police Bureau's Child Abuse Team, part of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, was tipped off about an out-of-state man communicating inappropriately with a Portland teenager, exchanging explicit images.
Investigators discovered that the suspect, identified as Steven Worth Ellis, was traveling from Texas to Portland; he planned to bring the juvenile to a rented home for a week, setting off alarm bells given the danger posed to the child, subsequently calling for the collaboration of multiple agencies despite the suspect's out-of-state origins which made the case complex and the need for immediate action critical. By sharing resources and information, they located Ellis while he was en route.
The coordinated arrest took place on July 6, 2024, in the Gorge, effected by Oregon State Police Troopers with support from the Homeland Security Investigation's Child Exploitation Group and other agencies, demonstrating a remarkable show of partnership rooted in the shared aim of child safety. Ellis now faces federal charges, including Interstate Travel to Engage in Sexually Explicit Conduct with a Minor, Production of Child Pornography, and Online Enticement of a Minor, as detailed by the Portland Police Bureau report.
Following the successful arrest, the Portland Police Bureau praised their partners for their commitment and quick response, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation. The collaboration across jurisdictions demonstrates how cooperation at different levels of government can lead to swift interventions to keep our communities safe from dangerous predators like Ellis.
