Portland Public School teacher accused of luring a minor with ‘brazen conversations’
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A Portland Public School teacher is in custody after a weeks-long investigation revealed his attempt to lure a California police officer posing as a 13-year-old, Portland police announced Friday.
Investigators said Craig Douglas-Meyers, a teacher at Hosford Middle School in Southeast Portland, had initiated conversations with an undercover police officer based out of the Yuba City Police Department that were “sexual in nature and involved discussions on how to meet.”
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Douglas-Meyers, 38, was arrested on Friday morning and lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center on a felony charge of luring a minor.
Investigators say it is possible that Douglas-Meyers had other victims.
“Due to Douglas-Meyers’ brazen conversations with who [sic] he thought was a child, and his employment as a teacher at Hosford Middle School in Southeast Portland, detectives fear there could be additional children with who he has had inappropriate contact,” officials said.
Anyone with information about him is encouraged to contact the Portland Police Bureau.
“It is very rare that the very first time or the very first occurrence that somebody experiences or chooses to do criminal behavior like this, it’s the time that they get caught,” Sgt. Trevor Tyler with the PPB Child Abuse Team said. “So yes, we believe that this was going on for a prolonged period of time. How long? We don’t know yet, but that is part of our investigation.”
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A spokesperson for Portland Public Schools said in a statement that there is no information indicating any PPS students were impacted:
The Portland Police Bureau has briefed the district about their investigation and PPS is fully cooperating with their efforts. There is no information that we are aware of that suggests that any PPS students were impacted. Providing a safe and supportive environment for all students remains our top priority and we are committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and integrity.
Douglas-Meyers is expected to appear in court for the first time on Aug. 26, 2024.
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