A 22-year-old Sherwood man has been indicted on 10 counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree and arrested after investigators said they found numerous images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material. Kodiac Bergeron was taken into custody Wednesday and remains held at the Washington County Jail while the case moves through court.
According to Sherwood police, the investigation began after the department received multiple cyber tips from the Internet Crimes Against Children task force and the Oregon Department of Justice. Investigators identified Bergeron, obtained search warrants for his online accounts, residence and electronic devices, and then reported finding the material.
The case reflects the increasingly digital nature of child-exploitation investigations, which often begin with reports from online platforms or specialized task forces. The Oregon Department of Justice says its ICAC task force investigates the online possession, production and distribution of child sexual abuse material alongside local law enforcement agencies.
What The Oregon Charges Mean
Bergeron is charged under Oregon Revised Statute 163.684, the state's first-degree offense for encouraging child sexual abuse. The Oregon statute and related legal annotations explain that the offense can involve duplicating or otherwise dealing in visual recordings depicting sexually explicit conduct involving children.
The indictment is an accusation, not a conviction, and Bergeron is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charges in court. Sherwood police said the arrest was made without incident and that Bergeron remained in custody as of the department's announcement.
Where To Report Suspected Child Abuse
People with information about suspected child exploitation can contact local law enforcement or Oregon's child-abuse hotline. The Oregon Department of Human Services says reports can be made 24 hours a day at 855-503-SAFE, or 911 if a child faces immediate danger.
