A man from Siletz, Oregon, was released today after being arrested in connection with a child luring investigation.
A judge ordered James Tybierius Kirk, 32, to adhere to stringent conditions upon his release.
Kirk is prohibited from contacting minors through any form of communication, including text, message, email, or unsupervised in-person interactions. He must reside at an address approved by pretrial services and report in person every Friday by 3 p.m.
Additionally, Kirk is required to report immediately to his probation officer and is banned from using social media or online communication apps such as Facebook, X, and Instagram. His cell phone and electronic devices are subject to search by pretrial services or his probation officer to ensure compliance.
Kirk’s criminal history includes multiple offenses dating back to 2014, with charges ranging from harassment and assault to menacing and unlawful use of a weapon. His most recent charge, luring a minor, remains open. An early resolution conference is scheduled for March 31, 2025, with Judge Benjamin presiding.
According to an affidavit, Kirk was caught by a Sheriff’s Office decoy Facebook account. The decoy account, portraying a young teenage female with the initials “OW,” was used to engage Kirk in conversation. The affidavit details a series of exchanges between Kirk and the decoy, where Kirk allegedly made inappropriate comments and arrangements to meet.
“My decoy account portrays me as a young teenage female with the initials ‘OW,'” the affidavit stated. “Approximately 30 minutes after I accepted James’ friend request, I received a message to start our conversation.”
During the conversation, Kirk allegedly asked the decoy’s age and was informed she was 15. Despite this, Kirk continued the conversation, making several inappropriate remarks and suggesting a meeting at Agate Beach State Park in Newport.
On January 16, 2025, Kirk was arrested at the courthouse in Newport. He was read his Miranda Rights and reportedly told officers he was chatting with the decoy to make his ex-girlfriend jealous, claiming he believed the profile was his ex-girlfriend’s.
“At the time of his arrest, James was communicating with the decoy account, and made a plan with the underage child to meet for a sexual encounter. James was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail without further incident,” the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported.
