56yo Portland Man Arrested for Traveling to Rape Kids

A 56-year-old Portland, Oregon, man has been arrested and charged with attempting to entice minors for sex after a six-week investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Seattle Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

According to records filed in the case, Marc David McCool responded to an ad posted on social media by an undercover law enforcement agent. Over more than six weeks of “chats” via the Kik Messenger App, McCool allegedly described his sexual interest in children, his sexual abuse of other victims, and the types of “trophies” he kept from those prior criminal sexual acts.

McCool, who was arrested May 16, 2024, had various items reflective of his sexual interest in abusing children, including condoms, baby oil, rope, and stuffed animals, when he was apprehended at a Seattle area hotel.

McCool made arrangements to travel to Seattle, allegedly believing he would sexually abuse two young children. He was arrested after he traveled by train and a rideshare to the meet location.

The charges against McCool include attempted enticement of a minor and travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor. Attempted enticement of a minor is punishable by no less than 10 years to lifetime imprisonment, while traveling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor is punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigation as part of the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes against Children Task Force (ICAC) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.

The case, U.S. v McCool MJ24-297, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online predators and the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to protect children from sexual abuse.

The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.