ALBANY, Ore. – A 75-year-old Albany man has been arrested in connection with an online child luring investigation conducted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
Gary Stitzel of Albany was taken into custody on July 31, 2025, after he traveled to meet what he believed was an underage child. In reality, he had been communicating with an undercover Lincoln County detective posing as a minor on social media. Stitzel is charged with Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree.
His arrest is part of an ongoing investigation by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office targeting online predators who attempt to exploit children through social media platforms. Deputies operating undercover have engaged with adults who initiate sexually explicit conversations and attempt to arrange illegal in-person meetings.
A second man, Jason Martin, 45, of Seal Rock, Oregon, was arrested on August 5 after he traveled to meet a decoy and is charged with Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree.
These arrests highlight the importance of proactive enforcement efforts aimed at stopping child exploitation before harm occurs. Law enforcement officials continue to emphasize the need for parents and guardians to remain involved in their children’s online lives, urging regular communication about the dangers of engaging with strangers on digital platforms.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says it remains committed to protecting youth and bringing offenders to justice through targeted operations, education, and community partnerships.
