Bend, Ore. — A Coos Bay man was arraigned in federal court today on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material, including possession, distribution, and production of such material. Thomas Owen Barnett, 39, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was ordered detained pending a jury trial set for May 27, 2025.
According to court documents, Barnett is accused of using a minor to produce sexually explicit content between September and December of 2023. In September 2024, he allegedly engaged in discussions about child sexual abuse on social media platforms such as Kik and Instagram. Authorities say Barnett used these platforms to solicit explicit materials, including images depicting an infant, and to advertise the sale of child sexual abuse material.
Barnett is said to have posed as a young man or minor female to exploit the situation further, manipulating the minor into producing explicit content. The charges carry severe potential penalties, including up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of using a minor to produce explicit material, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. The distribution of child sexual abuse material carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, with a five-year minimum. Possession of such material could result in up to 10 years behind bars.
In addition to prison time, Barnett could face a lifetime of supervised release upon serving his sentence, as well as fines of up to $250,000 per count.
The case brings to light a critical issue surrounding child sexual abuse material and its distinction from child pornography. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, the term “child pornography” is misleading, as it often implies consensual acts with adults, whereas children cannot consent to sexual activities or to having images of their abuse produced and distributed.
RAINN also notes that studies suggest a troubling link between the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material and hands-on sexual offenses against minors. Offenders, often known to their victims, commonly use grooming techniques to manipulate children into compliance, sometimes through online interactions. This case underscores the dangers of grooming in the digital age and serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in online spaces.
Barnett’s arrest and subsequent charges represent a grave reminder of the ongoing threat posed by online predators and the need for continued efforts to protect children from sexual exploitation.
