Sherwood police say a 22-year-old Beaverton man was indicted and arrested after an undercover online sting in which he allegedly tried to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old. According to investigators, the man exchanged explicit photos and made specific plans to meet for sexual activity. Officers took him into custody without incident, and he is lodged at the Washington County Jail.
What Police Say
In a Facebook media release, the Sherwood Police Department identified the suspect as 22-year-old Pranav Joshi of Beaverton. The agency said a Washington County grand jury indicted Joshi on four counts of luring a minor and three counts of online sexual corruption of a child in the second degree. According to the department, he was arrested without incident and booked into the Washington County Jail.
The release also noted that a Washington County Circuit Court judge issued a secret indictment arrest warrant while the case was under seal, a step that kept the charging document out of public view until Joshi was in custody.
How The Sting Unfolded
According to the Sherwood Police Department, an investigator posed online as a person younger than 15. Joshi allegedly communicated with the undercover investigator, offered to meet for sexual activity and sent explicit photographs.
“Proactive missions are designed to identify and apprehend people before they victimize an actual child,” the department wrote in its release, underscoring that the target on the other end of the screen was an officer, not a minor.
Charges And Legal Context
The charges line up with Oregon statutes that criminalize online enticement and sexual corruption involving minors. Luring a minor is defined in state law at ORS 167.057, which is detailed by the Oregon Legislature. Online sexual corruption of a child in the second degree is set out at ORS 163.432 on Oregon Public Law. Both offenses are classified as Class C felonies.
Under Oregon law, a Class C felony can carry a prison sentence of up to five years, according to Oregon Public Law. It can also bring fines of up to $125,000, per FindLaw.
Next Steps And Local Response
Sherwood police thanked the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for their help on the case and said the DA will handle the prosecution.
Because the indictment was returned under seal, details in court filings and the public schedule remain limited until the defendant is fully in the system. Oregon law restricts disclosure of indictments that are not yet subject to public inspection, as outlined on Oregon Public Law for ORS 132.420.
Whether the court ultimately designates the offenses as sex crimes under ORS 167.057(5), and how quickly the case moves to arraignment in Washington County Circuit Court, will be decided as the prosecution proceeds.
Advice For Parents And Resources
The department used the arrest to remind parents and guardians that the internet is an easy place for predators to hide in plain sight. Officials urged adults to keep tabs on young people’s online activity and to report anything that feels off.
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor and help their children safely navigate online social networking,” Sherwood police wrote.
If you suspect online enticement or exploitation, authorities say you should contact local law enforcement and submit tips to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org.
