Snapchat Sting Wilsonville Man Busted In Alleged Teen Lure

A Wilsonville man is behind bars after Linn County investigators say an eight-month sex-abuse case led them to uncover a pattern of explicit Snapchat messages to a 17-year-old girl and possibly other teens.

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan said in a press release via Linn County Sheriff's Office that detectives arrested 34-year-old Christopher Jay Webb of Wilsonville on May 28. According to investigators, Webb contacted a 17-year-old female from Sweet Home on Snapchat, sent multiple sexually explicit images of himself, and solicited sexual content from her even though he knew she was underage. Detectives also allege Webb used similar tactics with other juveniles and, in some messages, claimed he worked at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.

Investigators served search warrants for Webb’s digital accounts and combed through the recovered messages and media, as reported by KOIN. After that review, Webb was booked into the Linn County Jail on one count of luring a minor. Authorities say the case is far from over and additional charges could follow.

Officials seek other victims

Detectives say they believe there are more teens who may have been contacted by Webb and released his photograph in hopes of identifying them. Anyone who was contacted by Webb or has information is asked to call Detective Dakotah Hinrichs at 541-967-3820; more details are available in the sheriff’s release via Linn County Sheriff's Office.

How to report suspected online enticement

Concerns about possible online enticement of a child can be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline 24/7 at National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). NCMEC says it forwards tips to law enforcement, can help preserve digital evidence, and offers resources to help remove explicit images.

Investigators say probe is ongoing

The Linn County Sheriff's Office says detectives are still digging through digital evidence and following up on leads. If additional victims are identified, the investigation could result in more charges. Local prosecutors and investigators will review the evidence and decide on any further filings, according to reporting from KOIN.