Columbia City Man Arrested for Allegedly Attempting to Lure a Child

Columbia Co. Sheriff's Office - 05/02/18 

On May 1st, 2018, Ryan Clint Calhoun (40) of Columbia City was arrested on 2 counts of Luring a Minor, 5 counts of Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct, and Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree. Calhoun was lodged on $455,000 Bail.

On March 2nd, 2018 a concerned parent reported to Columbia County Investigators, a 40 year old man was having inappropriate contact with their 14 year old child. It was reported Ryan Calhoun was sending pornographic videos and inappropriate text messages to the child, as well as delivered a sex toy to the child.

During the investigation into Calhoun’s actions by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the St Helens Police Department,  Investigators were able to gather enough evidence to obtain a Search Warrant to search Calhoun, his residence, and his vehicles.

Investigators were able to use the child’s cell phone and pose as the child. Communications were made with Calhoun, who was later detained as he attempted to meet with the child to allegedly perform sexual acts with the child.

Search Warrants were served on Calhoun, Calhoun’s residence, Calhoun’s personal vehicle, and a Semi-Tractor/Trailer that Calhoun drove for work. Evidence was obtained during the Search Warrants, supporting the crimes Calhoun was charged with, to include the possession of child pornography. Other agencies assisting in the service of the Search Warrants were the FBI, Rainier Police Department and Scappoose Police Department.

Investigators are concerned there are possibly more victims both locally and across the country given Calhoun’s ability to travel, and are encouraging citizens to come forward if they have any information in this case by Calling Detective Peabody at 503-366-4609.