A Salem, Oregon man has been sentenced to federal prison for attempting to entice children online, a crime that has left many in the community reeling.
Gary Wade Ronning, 40, of Salem, Oregon, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison and ten years’ supervised release on January 22, 2025, for attempting to coerce and entice a minor online.
According to court documents, in March 2023, Ronning used Facebook Messenger to contact an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 15-year-old girl as part of a broader investigation into online enticement of minors.
Ronning engaged in sexually explicit communications with the officer, requested sexually explicit images of the purported child, sent sexually explicit photos and videos of himself, and planned a meeting to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Between October and November 2023, Ronning communicated with two other undercover officers posing as 13-year-old and 15-year-old children online, again engaging in sexually explicit conversations and attempting to arrange meetups to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Ronning was charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct, and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Redmond Police Department, with assistance from the Salem Police Department. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The FBI is urging anyone with information about the physical or online exploitation of children to come forward and report it. Tips can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
The FBI Child Exploitation Task Force conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Child sexual abuse material is a serious issue that requires the attention and cooperation of everyone. It is essential to remember that these images and videos document actual crimes being committed against children.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children can provide more information on this issue and offer resources for victims and their families. Visit www.missingkids.org for more information.
Related Federal Cases
- Springfield Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Child Pornography Crimes · Oregon
- Joseph Schesso Pleads Guilty to Child Porn Distribution · Washington
- Sick Nurse Corbitt Gets 7 Years for Child Porn · Washington
- Lima Man Accused of Child Porn Distribution · Oregon
- Toledo Men Charged in Child Sex Trafficking Ring · Oregon
Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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