ASHLAND, Ore. — The investigation into an Ashland man accused of trying to pay a minor for sex has led police to add an additional charge, according to the Ashland Police Department.
32-year-old Benjamin Harvey was taken into custody on June 30, charged with Luring a Minor and Purchasing Sex from a Minor.
According to APD, the agency was notified that Harvey had reached out to an underage member of the community and offered money in exchange for sex. The victim reported the incident to Ashland Police, prompting an investigation.
On Wednesday, Ashland Police issued an update on the investigation. According to the agency, Harvey was later found to be in possession of child pornography, and now faces an additional charge of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the Second Degree. That charge was approved by a Jackson County grand jury.
"The investigation into Harvey continues and additional charges will be brought as more evidence is discovered," APD said in a statement. "Anyone with additional information about Harvey’s actions is encouraged to contact the Ashland Police Department."
Harvey no longer appears on the Jackson County Jail log and court documents indicate that he is out on supervised release, pending trial. The release agreement mandates that he have no contact with minors.
