Case Number: 2021-00059791
Date Occurred: 10-14-2021 to 10-15-2021
Type of Incident: Luring a Minor for Sexual Conduct
Date Arrested: 10-15-2021
Victim: Fictitious 15-year-old female
Arrested: Steven Ray Ransom, 30-year-old male, Bend Resident
On the evening of Wednesday, October 14, 2021 a Bend Police Officer began a criminal investigation by posing as a 15-year-old female on a mobile app on a cellphone. 30-year-old Steven Ransom began conversing with the fictitious 15-year-old female. During the communication, Steven Ransom began talking about having sexual intercourse with her. Ransom made very graphic and very detailed references about his intentions when they met.
In the early morning hours of Thursday, October 15, 2021, Steven Ransom agreed to meet with the fictitious 15-year-old child in order to engage in sexual intercourse. The investigating officer provided a location where they could meet. Several Bend Police Officers were surveilling the area and contacted Ransom when he arrived at the prearranged location. Ransom was taken into custody. Sexually related items he stated he would bring with him during their communication were located on his person at the time of his arrest. Additional evidence was observed in his vehicle and on his cellular phone.
Ransom was lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the following charges:
Luring a Minor for Sexual Conduct – Oregon Revised Statute 167.057
Online Sexual Corruption of a Child, First Degree – Oregon Revised Statute 163.433
Solicitation to Commit a C Felony - Oregon Revised Statute 161.435
Bend Police want to remind parents to stay involved in their children’s digital world, know the apps they are using and have parental controls when possible. Children should talk with a trusted adult so they understand the online risks, and only chat with people they know, make sure their online accounts are private, and block people they do not know.
Submitted by: Sergeant Tommy Russell, Bend PD