Project Spade, Nov. 18

On Thursday evening, November 14, our Department learned of a media report about an international child pornography case called “Project Spade” that reportedly resulted in over 300 arrests centered out of Toronto, Canada. The media stories indicated the investigation involved several agencies including Toronto Police Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service and that “Among the arrests were … an Oregon state trooper.”  Prior to the release of this information, the Oregon State Police (OSP) received no notification from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service or Toronto Police Service of an arrest of an employee. Friday morning, U.S Postal Inspection Service was contacted and confirmed the person referenced to as “an Oregon state trooper” has not been arrested and the person’s name was confirmed. That individual is no longer employed by the Oregon State Police.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed the investigation related to this person is ongoing, no warrant or charges have been issued, and because of such OSP is not allowed to provide his name. The person worked for OSP for about 12 years as a Patrol trooper and was placed on administrative leave thirteen months ago on October 12, 2012. Immediately after it was learned he was under investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, he was placed on leave and OSP fully cooperated with investigators as needed. This person resigned from employment January 31, 2013. OSP has no knowledge of any criminal activity associated with the investigation occurring on duty.  The men and women of the Oregon State Police fully supports the investigation of any person who is alleged to be involved in these types of horrific crimes. Because the investigation is ongoing by the U.S Attorney’s Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Toronto Police Services and other agencies, any questions about the investigation should be directed to those agencies.