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FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Yamhill Co. Sheriff's Office by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, in conjunction with the Carlsbad (California) Police Department are asking for the public’s help in identifying potential victims of a suspected serial sexual predator named Robert Arnold Koester, 52 years of age. Koester has property in the 16000 block of NW Meadowlake Road in rural Carlton. His residence and outbuildings were used as photography studios. It is believed that Koester sexually assaulted both minor and adult females and has potentially been engaging in these criminal acts since 1994.
Koester, who has also used the names “Bert Kay”, “Rhake Winter” and “Qitooly”, was arrested by the Carlsbad Police Department on November 13, 2018 on sex related crimes under California criminal code. He remains in custody and has since been charged with two federal counts of production of child pornography based on an FBI investigation in Southern California.
Last week, a Yamhill County Grand Jury charged Koester with 32 felony counts, involving four separate victims, one of which was a minor. His bail is $2.5 million dollars on multiple counts of the following:
Rape in the First Degree
Sodomy in the First Degree
Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree
Causing Another Person to Ingest a Controlled Substance
If you have information about this ongoing investigation or believe you or someone you know may have been victimized by Robert Arnold Koester, the FBI and the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office requests that you complete a secure, confidential online questionnaire. This questionnaire can be found at:
FBI.gov/ModelCase
This questionnaire is only intended to collect information. Based on the responses provided, the FBI or other Law Enforcement Agency will contact you for additional information, if needed.
Identified victims may be eligible for certain services and rights under federal and/or state law.
Additional Resources:
Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Sexual Abuse
Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
American Psychological Association resources on sexual abuse
Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN)
National Center for Victims of Crime
Information from the public may also be submitted confidentially via e-mail to: ModelCase@fbi.gov