From November to early December 2024, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office used decoy social media accounts for online child luring investigations. During the investigation, Deputies posed as underage children on various online social media platforms and were contacted by an adult male who was offering to meet for sexual encounters.
On December 2nd, 58-year-old Danny Hicks, of Dallas, Oregon, was arrested and charged with the crimes of Luring a Minor, Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the second degree, Encouraging Sexual Abuse of Animals, and Attempted Using a child in display of sexually explicit conduct. At the time of his arrest, Danny was already lodged at the Lincoln County Jail with similar charges stemming from a similar investigation conducted by the Lincoln City Police Department.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office wants to encourage parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and discuss with them the possible dangers of communicating with strangers online. These investigations are conducted in an effort to reduce criminal activity and to further enhance the safety of our community.
DRIVING DROWSY
It is always important to stay alert while driving, especially during this time of year when weather conditions can rapidly become hazardous. Driving while drowsy or tired is especially dangerous. Sleepiness slows your reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs your judgment just like drugs or alcohol. People who are very sleepy behave in similar ways to people who are drunk. Below are several safety tips to keep in mind before hitting the road.
To remain alert and avoid drowsiness:
- Getting plenty of sleep the night before a long trip.
- If you are tired, find a safe place to stop and take a nap or have an alert passenger drive.
- Traveling at times when you are normally awake and staying overnight rather than driving straight through.
- Schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles.
- Stop driving if you become sleepy. Someone who is tired could fall asleep at any time. Fatigue impacts reaction time, judgment, and vision, causing people who are very sleepy to behave in similar ways to those who are drunk.
- Avoid working all day and then driving all night.
- Drink a caffeinated beverage. Since it takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to enter the bloodstream, find a safe place to take a 20-30 minute nap while you’re waiting for the caffeine to take effect.
- Avoid sleepy times of day. Take a mid-afternoon nap and find a place to sleep between midnight and 6 a.m.
- Traveling with an awake passenger.
You are too tired to drive if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Having trouble keeping your eyes open and focused.
- The inability to keep your head up.
- Daydreaming or having wandering, disconnected thoughts.
- Drifting from your lane or off the road or tailgating.
- Yawning frequently or rubbing your eyes repeatedly.
- Missing signs or driving past your intended exit.
- Feeling irritable and restless.
- Being unable to remember how far you have traveled or what you have recently passed.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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HOLIDAY SHOPPING SAFETY
With the holiday season beginning there are many things to keep in mind, including travel safety, winter weather preparation, and shopping security. Below are some tips to keep in mind as you shop this holiday season.
Shopping In-Stores:
- Be alert and aware. Be attentive to your surroundings.
- Don’t carry more cash or valuables than necessary.
- Take extra precautions with your wallet or purse. Carry your purse with the opening flap next to your body and the strap hung over your shoulder.
- Review shopping safety with children and always know where they are. Before going shopping, decide where to meet if you become separated.
- Always lock your car doors and remember where you park.
- Be sure to place valuables out of sight. Place them in the trunk or take them with you.
- Never hide spare keys in or on your car. If you need spare keys, keep them in your wallet or purse.
- Be alert to suspicious persons or circumstances. Avoid parking where you see someone sitting in their vehicle for no apparent reason.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation, report it to security immediately.
- When walking in any parking lot, store, airport, shopping center, etc., walk confidently with your head up, make eye contact, and have your keys or phone ready.
- Use appropriate marked driving lanes and obey all traffic signs.
- Drive defensively and courteously.
- Remember, parking lots will be more crowded and checkout lanes will be busier, please be patient and plan to spend more time commuting and shopping.
Shopping Online:
- Use trusted and reputable websites with secure payment systems and be cautious with personal information.
- Before entering any sensitive information, make sure the website has a secure connection. Look for a padlock symbol and "https://" in the website URL.
- Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts.
- Keep your devices, operating systems, and security software up to date to protect your device and information.
- Be aware of deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers use enticing offers to trick shoppers.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off about a website or a product, trust your gut and consider shopping elsewhere.
- Help prevent packages from being stolen:
- Schedule deliveries to arrive when you will be home or have them delivered to your office.
- Have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your packages if you won’t be home.
- Install a security camera on your property.
- Have packages delivered to a shipping store. If you hold a post office box, use USPS for shipping and take advantage of their package lockers to receive your items. Some post offices allow boxholders to use it’s street address, with the customer’s box number as the “unit” number for deliveries from other carriers.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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On November 18, 2024, at approximately 1:45 PM, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a deceased body, found near the Amanda Trail in south Lincoln County.
Lincoln County Sheriff's Detectives and personnel responded to the scene, where it was confirmed, a subject had died as a result of apparent self-inflicted wounds. The subject was identified as 43 year old Frank Marunich of Springfield, Oregon. His next of kin have been notified.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank their partner agencies, the Oregon State Police, Yachats Fire, Oregon State Parks and the United States Forest Services for their assistance.
Update: This meeting has been cancelled.
The Lincoln County Citizen Corps Coordinating Council (LC5) intends to meet on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 3:00pm via Zoom. The meeting will be streamed live on the Lincoln County website here: Agendas & Minutes | Lincoln County, OR (https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/129/Agendas-Minutes)
Any members of the public who have questions or would like to attend the meetings should email the Committee Recorder to request virtual meeting information at least 4 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting.
Committee Recorder
Susan Trachsel
Assistant Emergency Manager
strachsel@co.lincoln.or.us
541-265-0610
About the Lincoln County Citizen Corps Coordinating Council (LC5)
Overview
The Lincoln County Citizen Corps Coordinating Council (LC5) was initiated in 2008 by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners following the Federal Citizen Corps model. The model focuses on coordinating volunteer activities that will make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to hazardous situations. Its mission is to harness the power of every individual through education and outreach, training, and volunteer service.
Meetings
- Third Thursday of every month, 3:00pm to 4:00pm
- Virtual Meetings streamed live (https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/129/Agendas-Minutes)
HOME HEATING SAFETY
While the temperature outside is cooling down, you may be heating your home to keep yourself comfortable through the stormy months ahead. Before you turn the heat up, turn on the generator, or start a fire in the fireplace, it is important to take precautions and practice regular maintenance to prevent accidents.
Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Install smoke alarms on the ceiling of every room and in areas such as hallways.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors 5 feet or higher outside each bedroom or sleeping area and in attached garages.
- Every level of the home should have a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
- Smoke alarms should be at least 10 feet away from the stove to reduce false alarms.
- Carbon monoxide detectors should be at least 15 feet away from gas-burning fireplaces, stoves, or other gas-burning appliances to reduce false alarms.
- Test alarms at least once a month or more frequently if indicated by the user manual.
- Replace the unit at least every 10 years or sooner if recommended by the manufacturer.
- Ensure alarms and detectors are loud enough to wake you. Plan and practice your evacuation routes and meeting points with your entire household, including pets.
Fireplace and Stove Safety
- Keep your fireplace clean and well-maintained. Regularly inspect and clean the chimney to remove any build-up or debris.
- Use a metal fireplace screen or glass doors to prevent sparks and embers from escaping.
- Keep flammable materials away from the fireplace.
- Never leave the fire unattended. Remember to extinguish the fire completely before leaving the room or going to bed.
- Keep children and pets away from the hot surfaces of your fireplace or stove to prevent burns or accidental fires.
Electric Heater and Space Heater Safety
- Keep flammable materials at least three feet away from heaters.
- Place heaters on a level, secure surface. Keep pets and children away from space heaters to prevent burns or tipping over the unit.
- Never leave your heater unattended. Always turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Ensure your heater is in good condition. If there are frayed cords or other signs of wear, replace the unit.
- Do not use extension cords or power strips/surge protectors with your space heater. Plug heaters directly into an electrical outlet to help avoid electrical fires.
Generator Safety
- Generators should always be placed outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Keep them away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Never overload the generator with too many devices.
- Keep fuel stored safely and away from ignition sources. Never refuel the generator while it's running.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at approximately 7:40pm, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots fired from 1015 SE Rolph Court, Waldport, Oregon. Deputy Benjamin Cloud, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, was first on scene and took up an observation position to the south of the residence. While waiting for additional officers to respond, a subject exited the residence with a firearm and was ultimately shot by Deputy Cloud. Deputies immediately rendered medical aid and the subject was transported by ambulance. The subject was pronounced deceased while enroute to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport.
The deceased has been identified as 38-year-old female Virginia Lee Morris of Waldport, Oregon. Next of kin has been notified. The subject’s firearm was recovered from the scene. No other individuals were harmed during this event.
Pursuant to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office policy, Deputy Cloud has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the use of deadly force. Deputy Cloud has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for 11 years.
The investigation into this incident is being conducted by members of the Lincoln County Major Crime Team with the Lincoln City Police Department assuming the lead investigator role. Assisting in the investigation are detectives from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police Department, Toledo Police Department and Oregon State Police.
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On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at approximately 7:40pm, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance involving a subject firing a rifle from 1015 SE Rolph Court in Waldport, Oregon. A Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived on scene and took up an observation position south of the residence. The subject walked out of the residence with a firearm and was ultimately shot by the deputy. The suspect’s firearm was recovered from the scene.
Responding deputies rendered medical aid and the subject was transported by ambulance. The subject was pronounced deceased while enroute to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital.
The Lincoln County Major Crimes Team was activated in accordance with the Lincoln County Deadly Force Plan. The Lincoln City Police Department is leading the investigation. Detectives from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police Department, and Oregon State Police Criminal Investigations Division are assisting. Additionally, officers from the Corvallis Police Department assisted with crime scene processing.
Any further media inquiries should be referred to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.
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Lincoln County residents have access to three self-serve, public sandbagging stations located in Yachats, Newport, and Lincoln City. If you plan on using the self-serve sandbagging station, remember to bring a shovel. Hours: Mid-October through mid-April. You can access sand any time of day or night. Community members may gather up to 10 sandbags per household, per season. Full news releases, flyers, and social posts in English and Spanish are attached.
The Ambulance Service Review Committee (ASRC) intends to meet on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm via Zoom. The meeting will be streamed live on the Lincoln County website here: Agendas & Minutes | Lincoln County, OR (https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/129/Agendas-Minutes)
Any members of the public who have questions or would like to attend the meetings should email the Committee Recorder to request virtual meeting information at least 4 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting.
Committee Recorder
Susan Trachsel
Assistant Emergency Manager
strachsel@co.lincoln.or.us
541-265-0610
About the Ambulance Service Review Committee
Overview
The Lincoln County Ambulance Service Review Committee (ASRC) meets quarterly; the committee members are appointed by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners with representation from Fire Districts, Ambulance Service Providers, Hospitals, and the public (2 representatives). The committee packets and agenda are posted prior to the meeting and the meeting minutes, once approved, posted at this County website location
Meetings
- Second Wednesday of February, May, August, and November, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
- Virtual Meetings streamed live (https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/129/Agendas-Minutes)
VISOR NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
Victims can sign up to receive automatic notifications regarding the transfer or release of adults in custody (AIC). In 2023, Victim Information System in Oregon (VISOR) was the notification system that replaced the VINE notification system. Below is more information about VISOR and how it can help keep you informed.
VISOR is a free, computer-based service that allows you to check on an offender’s custody status either in a county or state facility. It also allows you to register to receive automatic notification when an adult in custody (AIC) is released or transferred.
How do I use VISOR?
- Register online at: Home (oregon.gov)
- Email VISOR: visor@doc.oregon.gov
- Leave a voicemail for VISOR: 888-749-8080
You may locate an AIC using basic information such as the name or offender number to search for the AIC you want to register for.
- VISOR will give you the AIC’s custody information and invite you to register for free notification by phone call, email, or text if the status changes of the AIC
- Click in the “search bar” where you can conduct a statewide search of offenders and register to receive notifications of a change in custody status of the offender: Home (oregon.gov)
How do I register with VISOR?
You will need to provide:
- A telephone number or email
- Search for the AIC you want to register for
- Choose a preferred notification delivery method
You may create an account in VISOR if you wish. Creating an account will allow you to choose how and when you receive notifications, it will allow you to view recent notifications that were sent to you, allow you to change your personal information, and allow you to unregister.
You also have the option to remain anonymous when registering instead of creating an account.
Important VISOR Facts
- VISOR will send you a notification when the AIC you registered for is released, transferred, escapes, or is deceased.
- All registrations and personal information with VISOR are, and will remain, confidential.
- You may register more than one phone number or email.
NOTE: Do not depend on the VISOR service as your only protection. If you feel you may be at risk, take precautions as if the offender has already been released.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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