A Bend man was arrested for luring and illegal possession of psilocybin mushrooms after a police officer posed as a minor in an online sting operation. According to Bend Police, on Monday, Nov. 27th, Bend Police began an investigation into adults attempting to lure minors for sex through social media and online dating sites.
During that investigation, a Bend Police officer posing as a 16-year-old girl on a site was contacted by a 26-year-old Bend resident. After learning that the person he was messaging was 16 years old, The suspect sent explicit photos, as well as photos showing bags of psilocybin mushrooms he intended to share with the 16-year-old. He also offered to buy alcohol for the 16-year-old girl, and to buy condoms for their encounter.
At approximately 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28, the officer posing as the 16-year-old girl and the suspect agreed to meet at Ponderosa Skate Park in the 1400 block of SE Wilson Avenue. When the suspect arrived at the park, officers took him into custody and located condoms and a 12-pack of White Claw in his vehicle. Officers also recovered 28.51 grams of psilocybin mushrooms from his home.
The supsect was arrested and transported to the Deschutes County Jail on charges of Attempted Furnishing Liquor to A Minor, Possession of a Controlled Schedule I Substance, Attempted Delivery of a Schedule I Substance to a Minor (psilocybin mushrooms), Luring a Minor for Sexual Conduct, Online Sexual Corruption of a Child II, Attempted Sex Abuse III, Endangering a Minor’s Welfare
