MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OR (March 17, 2023) - The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is reporting that a 25 year-old Fairview resident is found guilty on child sex abuse charges, following a months-long MCSO investigation.
The investigation began on March 21, 2022, when patrol deputies responded to a Fairview business to check on the wellbeing of a child, who was under the age of 10. Deputies learned from the child’s parents that a man, later identified as Brendan Tyler Johnson, had been communicating with their child through an online social media application, and that he had requested sexually explicit images from the child. Johnson was arrested.
Over the course of eight months, detectives performed searches of Johnson’s home and meticulously reviewed his internet and electronic communications history, with the help of MCSO’s digital forensic expert. Detectives discovered Johnson’s online activity included the handling and storage of pornographic images of children and the grooming of minors.
The case was referred to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, and charges were filed following a grand jury indictment.
Earlier this month, after a weeklong trial, a jury found Brendan Johnson guilty on:
- Two counts of using a child in display of sexually explicit conduct
- One count of encouraging child sexual abuse in the second degree
- Three counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree
Johnson’s sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2023.
“The months-long investigation highlights MCSO’s commitment to creating safer communities and protecting our youth,” MCSO Law Enforcement Chief Deputy James Eriksen said. “Our team worked together to bring justice to the family and prevent Johnson from victimizing anyone else.”
We also want to take this opportunity to remind the public that April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. For resources on online safety, child abuse awareness, age-appropriate education, or to make a report of suspicious online behavior, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website. You can also report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE(7233).
