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News Release

Gresham Man Arrested For Sharing Child Sex Abuse Material And Manufacturing Explosive Devices (Photo) - 02/25/26

Gresham, Ore.— A Gresham man has been arrested following the service of a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of SE 19th St.


The search warrant was the culmination of an investigation that began with tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating a person at that address was involved in the distribution of sexually explicit images and videos of children. Members of the Gresham Police Department’s Special Victims Team led the investigation and identified 44-year-old Zachary Lawson as the suspect.


Early this morning, officers and deputies with East Metro SWAT served a warrant at Lawson’s residence. East Metro SWAT is an inter-agency team made up of officers from the Gresham Police Department and deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.


During service of the warrant officers discovered multiple homemade explosive devices. Investigators with the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms responded to ensure the explosives were rendered safe. Metro EDU is an inter-agency explosive disposal unit led by the Portland Police Bureau, with officers and investigators contributed from numerous local agencies.


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, and Unlawful Manufacturing of a Destructive Device.


“This investigation was successful because of the cooperation between multiple law enforcement and public safety organizations,” said Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg. “I would like to thank our officers, investigators, and partners for their commitment and dedication to the safety of children in Gresham and throughout the country.”


The Gresham Police Department would particularly like to thank the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, and the Mayes County Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this investigation.


Anyone with concerns or information regarding missing or exploited children can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or CyberTipline.org, or their local law enforcement. In Multnomah County, the number for non-emergency police issues is 503-823-3333.

Attached Media Files: Arrest.pdf, EDU.jpg,

Gresham Man Arrested For Sharing Child Sex Abuse Material And Manufacturing Explosive Devices (Photo) - 02/25/26

Gresham, Ore.— A Gresham man has been arrested following the service of a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of SE 19th St.


The search warrant was the culmination of an investigation that began with tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating a person at that address was involved in the distribution of sexually explicit images and videos of children. Members of the Gresham Police Department’s Special Victims Team led the investigation and identified 44-year-old Zachary Lawson as the suspect.


Early this morning, officers and deputies with East Metro SWAT served a warrant at Lawson’s residence. East Metro SWAT is an inter-agency team made up of officers from the Gresham Police Department and deputies from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.


During service of the warrant officers discovered multiple homemade explosive devices. Investigators with the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms responded to ensure the explosives were rendered safe. Metro EDU is an inter-agency explosive disposal unit led by the Portland Police Bureau, with officers and investigators contributed from numerous local agencies.


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, and Unlawful Manufacturing of a Destructive Device.


“This investigation was successful because of the cooperation between multiple law enforcement and public safety organizations,” said Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg. “I would like to thank our officers, investigators, and partners for their commitment and dedication to the safety of children in Gresham and throughout the country.”


The Gresham Police Department would particularly like to thank the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, and the Mayes County Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this investigation.


Anyone with concerns or information regarding missing or exploited children can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or CyberTipline.org, or their local law enforcement. In Multnomah County, the number for non-emergency police issues is 503-823-3333.

Attached Media Files: Arrest.pdf, EDU.jpg,