St. Helens Man Sentenced in Encouraging Child-Related Sex Abuse Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2022

St. Helens, Ore. – On Friday, January 21, 2022, the Columbia County Circuit Court sentenced Kevin Collins, 29, of St. Helens, Oregon to 200 months (16 years and 8 months) in prison on charges of encouraging child sex abuse stemming from a St. Helens Police Department investigation into child pornography. During the investigation, it was determined that Collins possessed between half a million to one million images and videos of child pornography.

The sentencing concludes the initial arrest of Collins by St. Helens officers on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Collins was arrested on charges of child sex abuse stemming from a multi-state investigation involving the St. Helens Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Collins was lodged at Columbia County Jail on 15 counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, 20 counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, and one count of Solicitation for the Sexual Assault of an Animal.  

Collins’ arrest concludes an investigation that began with the Indiana State Police and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. After it was determined that the suspect resided in the St. Helens area, the St. Helens Police Department was contacted. Officers executed a search warrant at Collins’ residence in the 2300 block of Columbia Boulevard where multiple items of evidence were seized. After an electronic analysis by the Oregon Department of Justice, thousands of images and videos of child pornography were located.  

The St. Helens Police Department takes reports of child sexual abuse and child pornography seriously. To report a potential child-related sex crime, call the St. Helens Police Department at 503-397-1521.

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For further information regarding this case, please contact St. Helens detectives at 503-397-1521.