Media Release July 29, 2025 Proactive Online Child Luring Investigation Leads to Two Arrests In July, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office conducted online child luring investigations using decoy social media accounts as part of its ongoing commitment to proactive policing and the protection of vulnerable community members -especially children. As part of the operation, deputies posed as underage children on various social media platforms. During the investigation, they were contacted by adult males who engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange in-person meetings for illegal sexual encounters. On July 28, 2025, a Lincoln County detective traveled to Albany, Oregon, and arrested Jimmy Smith, 45, of Albany, on charges of Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree. While enroute back to Lincoln County with Mr. Smith in custody, deputies operating decoy accounts were contacted by Kyle Carter, 34, of Sweet Home, Oregon. Based on the nature of the interaction, probable cause was established for Mr. Carter’s arrest. On July 29, 2025, Mr. Carter traveled to Lincoln County to meet with the decoy persona and was subsequently arrested. He was charged with Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree. These arrests underscore the effectiveness of proactive, targeted enforcement strategies designed to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit children online -before harm can occur. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its mission to protect children and hold offenders accountable. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to monitor their children’s online activity and maintain open, ongoing conversations about the risks of communicating with strangers on the internet. Through community awareness, education, and enforcement, we can work together to ensure a safer environment for all children.