Portland Man Indicted for Allegedly Attempting to Engage in Sexual Acts with Minors in Seattle

A Portland, Oregon man faces serious charges after federal prosecutors say he was arrested in a sting operation while attempting to meet with children for sexual acts in Seattle. Marc David McCool, age 56, is currently being held at FDC SeaTac after his arrest on May 16 and is slated for arraignment next week. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced the indictment which includes attempted enticement of a minor and travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor.

Investigation records suggest that McCool responded to an undercover law enforcement agent's social media advertisement, and through over six weeks of “chats” on the Kik Messenger App, described not only his interest in children but also recounted past abuses and discussed keepsakes from such illicit activities. McCool, according to the indictment documents, believed he would be meeting a 7 and an 11-year-old for sexual purposes at a Seattle-area hotel. Upon his apprehension, his possessions included condoms, baby oil, rope, and stuffed animals – items that officials say aligned with his predatory intentions.

The penalties McCool faces are severe, with attempted enticement of a minor carrying a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of a life sentence, and traveling to engage in a sexual act with a minor can result in up to 30 years in prison. It is critical to note, however, that the charges against McCool are only allegations at this stage. The legal principle of the presumption of innocence holds that the indictment alone does not establish guilt, and any accused individual must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Homeland Security Investigation arm of the Seattle Police Department’s Internet Crimes against Children Task Force (ICAC) conducted the investigation leading to McCool's arrest. Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson is, handling the prosecution of the case – known formally as U.S. v McCool 24-cr-00102. As per standard legal proceedings, McCool will have the opportunity to face these accusations in a court where evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments will determine the outcome of this sobering case.