Three Subjects Arrested On Child Luring Charges In November (Photo) -12/06/24

During the month of November 2024, Lincoln City Police Officers conducted several counter-child-luring operations on social media and developed probable cause to arrest three separate adults. These operations are used to investigate adults who inappropriately communicate with children.

In each of these cases, Officers posed as juveniles online and were contacted by the suspect who offered or agreed to meet with the fictitious juvenile for a sexual encounter. As of today, all three cases have been brought before a Lincoln County Grand Jury, who agreed there was sufficient evidence to support the arrest and prosecution. LCPD was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Toledo Police Department, and Dallas Police Department during these investigations.

Nicolas Mckenna, age 34, of Otis, Oregon was arrested in Lincoln City on November 12, 2024. His charges include Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child 1st Degree. His bail was set at $1,000,000.

Joseph Thomas, age 41, of Toledo, Oregon was arrested in Toledo on November 16, 2024. His charges include Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child 2nd Degree. His bail was set at $250,000.

Danny Hicks, age 58, of Dallas, Oregon was arrested in Dallas on November 29, 2024. His charges include 3 counts of Luring a Minor, 2 counts of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child 2nd Degree, and Purchasing Sex with a Minor. His bail was set at $1,000,000. 

LCPD 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.

LCPD Plans Christmas / New Year Holiday Season DUII Enforcement (Photo) -12/04/24 (Photo)

The Lincoln City Police Department plans on using the first of their 2024-2025 DUII Enforcement Grant funds during the up-coming Christmas / New Year’s holiday season. These enforcement operations are part of the national “High Visibility Enforcement,” which runs from December 11, 2024 through January 1, 2025.  The national High Visibility Enforcement events are designed to increase the number of patrol officers on the streets nationwide with an emphasis on seeking out drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and removing them from the roadways. The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but it is also a time when increased numbers of impaired drivers may be on the roadways. The Lincoln City Police Department is pleased to be joining forces with other law enforcement agencies across the nation to crack down on impaired drivers. Our goal is simple: to save lives and prevent injuries. Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk; if you drive drunk, you will be arrested.

DUII Enforcement Grant funds from the previous grant allocation were last used during the 2024 Labor Day weekend, resulting in one driver being arrested for DUII and several citations issued for various traffic violations. 

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors, and these grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. These grant funds are made possible through Oregon Impact and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Submitted By: Lieutenant Jeffrey G. Winn