The Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force worked with the Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) to execute several search warrants.
The operation resulted in two arrests connected to an ongoing investigation into child sexual abuse material being traded online. Preliminary findings indicate more than a thousand images and videos were exchanged over social media platforms.
The warrants, carried out in Jackson County, targeted individuals suspected of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first and second degree. Investigators seized multiple electronic devices, which will undergo forensic analysis, and the evidence will be referred to prosecutors for review.
In White City, officers arrested Eddie Lukon Stith at an address on Avenue H on an outstanding warrant from Spokane, Washington, for sexual exploitation of a minor. In Medford, investigators arrested Matthew Mario Maya at an address on Table Rock Road on 10 new counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First Degree.
Investigators are continuing to examine seized devices and interview witnesses as the investigation moves forward.
The SOCET team includes members of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Talent Police Department, Eagle Point Police Department, and the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force.
