Bend, Ore. — A Jacksonville man is in custody following an investigation into an alleged attempt to lure and sexually exploit a local teenager. According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), 39-year-old Anthony Nicholas Wheeler was arrested on March 26 after undercover detectives intercepted a planned meeting between him and the minor.

The investigation began on March 22 when the teen’s parents discovered concerning messages exchanged between their child and the suspect via Snapchat. Authorities say Wheeler made contact with the victim through Snapchat’s “Quick Add” feature, which allows users to connect with people they do not personally know. Alarmed by the interactions, the parents reported the situation to the JCSO.

The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) took over the teen’s account and uncovered sexually explicit communications between Wheeler and the minor. Detectives soon arranged to meet Wheeler by posing as the victim. On March 26, law enforcement agencies, including JCSO, SOCET, Oregon State Police, and Medford Police Department, coordinated the operation.

Wheeler, unaware of the sting operation, showed up at the prearranged meeting spot in the 2900 block of Crater Lake Highway in Medford around 7:30 p.m. He was promptly arrested without incident.

Wheeler has been charged with first-degree online sexual corruption of a child, second-degree online sexual corruption of a child, and luring a minor. He is currently lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

The Sheriff’s Office commended the vigilance of the teen’s parents in preventing a potentially harmful situation. “The vigilance of this child’s parents led to a safe outcome, but that is not always the case,” the JCSO said in a statement.

In light of this incident, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office issued several online safety tips for parents to help protect their children from similar threats:

• Engage in discussions about internet safety: Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the risks of online interactions and establish an online safety plan.

• Set clear boundaries and rules: It is important for children to understand the guidelines for online activity and to recognize red flags.

• Foster open communication: Children should be encouraged to report any inappropriate online behavior to a trusted adult.

This case highlights the ongoing threat of online predators and the crucial role parents play in safeguarding children’s online experiences.