19-03-2025
Coos Bay man faces federal charges for making, distributing child pornography
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Coos Bay man is facing federal charges after the U.S. Attorney's Office said he produced and distributed child pornography.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, in 2023 and 2024, Thomas Owen Barnett, 39, 'used a minor to engage in and record sexually explicit conduct.'
Barnett is also accused of using apps like Kik and Instagram to have conversations about child abuse, look for opportunities to engage in sexual abuse and sell child pornography.
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Authorities also claim that Barnett would pose as a young man or younger girl to persuade victims to exchange child pornography, including explicit photos of an infant.
On Wednesday, Barnett was arraigned and pled not guilty to the charges and remains in custody until his scheduled trial in late May.
If sentenced, Barnett could face up to 30 years in prison for attempting to use and using a minor to produce child pornography, as well as up to 20 years for distributing child pornography and another 10 for possessing child pornography.
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