Sweet Home man accused of sex crimes with a minor

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A 42-year-old Sweet Home man is accused of sexually corrupting a child following months of online conversations with a 15-year-old girl, authorities said.

According to the Linn County Sheriff's Office, an investigation began in December 2023 when the parents of the 15-year-old victim alerted police to the conversations she was having over social media and through texts.

Investigators discovered that the victim, who lives in Albany, had been talking with Christopher Michael Douglass, from Sweet Home, although he used a fake name on social media, authorities said.

Farther into the investigation, officials said they learned that the victim had sent explicit photos to Douglass and that he had even offered to buy her a bus ticket so they could meet up in person. Douglass also said he would buy marijuana and nicotine products for her.

On July 2, a search warrant was served at Douglass' home where investigators said they seized evidence related to the case.

Douglass was taken to jail and faces charges including second-degree online sexual corruption of a child and luring a minor.

Authorities said they believe there could be more victims and they are asking anyone with information to contact police.