A 60-year-old man from Texas was apprehended in Oregon on Thursday for allegedly planning to sexually abuse a child, according to local and federal authorities.
A man from Presidio, Texas, reportedly traveled to Oregon to meet with a minor he had connected with online, according to the Department of Justice.
Ellis is now facing serious federal charges, including allegations of traveling with the intention to engage in illicit sexual conduct, attempting to sexually exploit a child, and coercing and enticing a minor.
An investigation was initiated in late May, which involved various law enforcement organizations, including federal agents and the Child Abuse Team of the Portland Police Bureau. According to PPB, their Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received a concerning tip about a Portland girl who was in contact with an individual. The nature of their communications involved explicit images.
On Thursday, Ellis was apprehended by Oregon State Police Troopers and taken into custody in The Dalles. Several law enforcement agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, The Dalles Police Department, and U.S. Marshals, worked together on this collaboration as per KOIN News.
The DOJ stated that the investigation was initiated based on a tip from the Oregon Department of Human Services. It was alleged that Ellis had been involved in sexual online conversations with a child after meeting on Reddit. According to reports, Ellis reportedly expressed his desire to marry the child and claimed he was planning to travel to Oregon to be with her.
Ellis has made an appearance before a federal court in Portland and will be held in detention “pending further court proceedings,” according to officials.
Texas-based Gas Station Heir Charged with 21 Counts over Alleged Recording Scandal
