The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office arrested Marc Phillips, 42, of Porter, after an investigation into alleged online communications with someone he believed to be a juvenile.
Investigators say the case began July 11 after an officer was contacted by an online abuse prevention organization about a potential online predator investigation. Authorities responded to a home near Highway 51B and South 365th E. Ave. near Porter to continue the investigation.
How the investigation unfolded
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators reviewed preserved electronic communications that allegedly showed Phillips initiated contact through a messaging app.
Authorities said Phillips continued communicating after being repeatedly told the individual was represented as a juvenile. Investigators allege the conversations became sexual in nature and included discussions about meeting the purported juvenile in person, along with possible meeting locations.
Deputies took Phillips into custody without incident and transported him to the Wagoner County Detention Center, where he was booked on a complaint of lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child.
Sheriff’s office highlights partnership
The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office credited the online abuse prevention organization with preserving digital evidence and reporting the case to law enforcement.
“Protecting our children remains one of the highest priorities of the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Chris Elliott said. “Anyone who believes they are communicating with a child online for sexual purposes should know that we will aggressively investigate these cases and hold offenders accountable.”
Elliott said the case demonstrates the value of partnerships between law enforcement and online abuse prevention organizations. He also encouraged parents to stay involved in their children’s online activity, have conversations about internet safety and report any suspected inappropriate contact involving a child immediately.
