A 44-year-old man has been arrested after police investigating the alleged distribution of child sexual abuse material discovered multiple homemade explosive devices inside his residence.
According to Gresham Police, authorities received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the distribution of explicit images and videos involving children from a home in the 500 block of Southeast 19th Street.
Investigators identified Zachary Lawson as the suspect.
Explosives discovered during search
Officers, along with deputies from East Metro SWAT, executed a search warrant at the property on Wednesday. During the operation, police located several improvised explosive devices.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit were called in to safely remove the devices.
Police Chief Travis Gullberg stated that the investigation highlighted strong cooperation between multiple law enforcement and public safety agencies.
Charges filed
Lawson has been charged with:
- Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree
- Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree
- Possession of Child Pornography in the Second Degree
- Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree
- Coercion
- Possession of a Destructive Device
- Unlawful Manufacturing of a Destructive Device
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.