Two More Arrested During Child Luring Investigation

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies conducting ongoing online child luring investigations posing as underage children on various social media platforms were contacted by two adult males who engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange in-person meetings for illegal sexual encounters. On July 31st, 2025, a Lincoln County Detective traveled to Albany, Oregon, and arrested Gary Stitzel, 75, of Albany, on charges of Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree.  On August 5th, 2025, Jason Martin, 45, of Seal Rock, Oregon, traveled to meet with a 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 again 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.