HILLSBORO, Ore.- On September 15, 2021, Angel Santana Miranda, age 20, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse and two counts of luring a minor. Deputy District Attorney Rayney Meisel prosecuted the case before Washington County Circuit Court Judge Eric Butterfield. 

In 2019, law enforcement tracked child pornography being downloaded from the defendant’s residence in Forest Grove, Oregon. After obtaining the necessary warrants, experts with the Washington County Digital Forensics Laboratory examined Mr. Miranda’s digital devices and discovered a cache of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials. Mr. Miranda had more than 10,000 images and videos of children ranging in age from infant to teens. Additionally, the defendant had an extensive chat history between himself and a 14-year-old girl living out of state. They exchanged nude images and videos and described sexually and violently explicit fantasies involving children and infants. Investigators were able to identify and contact two of the victims depicted in photos and videos. 

The defendant admitted to police that he downloaded the files over the course of five years. Law enforcement were able to identify and contact two of the victims depicted in the videos and photos on his devices. 

“Unfortunately, our office prosecutes a great deal of cases involving individuals who are downloading and sharing graphic child sexual abuse material,” said DDA Meisel. “What set this case apart, however, was the extremely graphic role-play fantasies he was engaging in with a child, about her and other children, paired with the fact that he had researched flights and travel logistics to get to the child’s out-of-state home.”

In July of 2020, while the defendant already knew he was under investigation, law enforcement received several cyber tips alerting them to additional concerning online behavior between Mr. Miranda and a young girl. Investigators confirmed that Mr. Miranda was again interacting inappropriately with the teen.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to commend the Forest Grove Police Department for their work on this case. This office also acknowledges the Washington County Digital Forensic Laboratory for its work in securing vital digital evidence. 

This office also urges parents to monitor the online activity of their children. For additional information on digital threats facing children and how to guard against them, please visit our website. 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 5, 2021.