Man Arrested in Eugene for Attempting to Meet Minor for Sex


EUGENE, Ore. — A 38-year-old man, Frank Vincent Nelson, was arrested on May 26 by Eugene Police Violent Crimes Unit detectives after attempting to meet a child under 16 for sexual relations. Nelson, who had been communicating online with someone he believed to be a minor, was apprehended when he arrived at a planned meeting spot in Eugene. His vehicle was pinned in, and he was taken into custody without incident.

This was not Nelson’s first attempt; he had previously tried to travel to Eugene for the same purpose but was arrested by another agency for an unrelated crime. After his release, he resumed communication and arranged another meeting, leading to his arrest. Nelson was booked into Lane County Jail on charges including Online Sexual Corruption of a Minor in the First and Second Degrees and Luring a Minor. The case number is 25-06839.

Tips for Parents and Guardians to Ensure Online Safety

In light of such incidents, the Eugene Police Department urges parents and guardians to take proactive steps to protect children online:

  • Monitor Devices: Use tools to remotely monitor and control access to your child’s devices.
  • Stay Alert to Communications: Be aware of who your child is communicating with online.
  • Watch for Red Flags: Be cautious of unexplained absences, sudden behavioral changes, or gifts and cash your child can’t explain.
  • Understand Cybercrime: Recognize that “no one online is anonymous” and discuss cyber risks with your child.
  • Engage with New Apps or Games: Spend time with your child exploring any new apps or games they use.
  • Supervised Tech Use: Set up a designated area for children to use technology under parental supervision.
  • Limit Nighttime Device Use: Consider restricting phones or computers in bedrooms at night.
  • Handle Disclosures Appropriately: Ensure your child knows they can report issues like sexting or sextortion to you or a trusted adult without fear.
  • Encourage Blocking Uncomfortable Contacts: Teach your child it’s okay to block users who make them uneasy.
  • Learn About Popular Apps: Familiarize yourself with platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Google Hangouts, Instagram, and others.
For additional resources, parents can visit the Federal Trade Commission’s guide on Protecting Kids Online at FTC Consumer Information.

Information from EPD - 2020 mugshot from Lane County Jail

Michael Weber, known for his extensive coverage of crime news in Lane County, continues to provide valuable updates to the local community. He runs the largest crime watch group in Lane County, Lane County Mugshots Uncensored, which currently has over 87,000 members. Support for local journalism is essential, and donations can be made via Venmo to @Michael-Weber-379 (last four digits of phone number: 0825).

Follow me on X: https://x.com/MugshotMike541 

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