SEATTLE — A Portland man has been charged after allegedly traveling north to Seattle to meet with two children for sex.
Mark David McCool, 56, appeared in federal court on Friday after being arrested May 16. He had traveled to a Seattle-area hotel to sexually abuse two fictitious children ages 7 and 11, prosecutors allege.
McCool had "items reflective of his sexual interest in abusing children" in his possession when he was arrested, including condoms, baby oil, rope and stuffed animals.
Prosecutors said McCool responded to an ad posted on social media by an undercover law enforcement agent. Over a six-week investigation involving conversations through the Kik Messenger app, McCool is said to have described his sexual interest in children, his sexual abuse of other kids, and "trophies" he kept from prior criminal sexual acts.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said McCool is charged with attempted enticement of a minor and travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor.
McCool faces a minimum of 10 years in prison for attempted enticement of a minor if convicted, and could be given a life sentence. Traveling with the intent of engaging in a sexual act with a minor is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
The Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is investigating the case.
If you or someone you know has been forced to labor or engage in sex work, you can call the National Human Trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "BeFree" to 233733. Find more resources on the Washington State Department of Commerce website.
