A SWAT raid in Gresham's Butte neighborhood ended with a man in handcuffs, several homemade explosive devices hauled out of a home, and what investigators say are sexually explicit images and videos of children. Officers called in bomb technicians to make the scene safe while detectives collected evidence, and officials say they are now treating the case as both a child exploitation probe and a public safety investigation. (KPTV)
KPTV reports that East Metro SWAT and Gresham Police served a search warrant at a residence and found multiple homemade bombs along with electronic material investigators say is tied to distributing child sexual abuse material. The outlet identifies the suspect as 44-year-old Zachary Lawson and says the warrant was served at a home on SE 19th Street near SE Kelly Avenue. According to the station, Lawson faces charges that include first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse and unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device. (KPTV)
"This investigation was successful because of the cooperation between multiple law enforcement and public safety organizations," Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg said, thanking responding officers and partner agencies for their work, The Outlook reports. According to the outlet, the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called in to render the homemade devices safe. Investigators have not publicly said what, if any, intended use they believe was behind the explosives. (The Outlook)
Charges and legal context
Authorities say Lawson faces several state charges, including encouraging child sexual abuse, possession of child pornography and explosives-related counts. Under Oregon law, offenses such as encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree and related possession crimes are felonies that carry significant penalties, with statutes distinguishing between possession, distribution and production of sexually explicit material involving minors. As with any arrest, these remain allegations, and Lawson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. (Oregon Legislature)
Investigation and next steps
Officials say the case began with tips to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and drew in assistance from the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children task force, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the Portland Police Bureau and a sheriff’s office in Mayes County, Oklahoma. Bomb technicians removed the devices and rendered them safe while detectives sifted through seized electronics and prepared evidence for prosecutors, The Outlook reports. At the time of initial coverage, officials had not yet posted additional court filings or a public arraignment schedule. (The Outlook)
Anyone with information about possible child exploitation is urged to contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or submit a report through the organization’s CyberTipline online. For immediate safety concerns, call 911 or reach out to local law enforcement. (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)
