Gresham Teacher Indicted on Child Sex Crimes After Online Sting Operation
A high school teacher in Gresham, Oregon, has been indicted on multiple child sex crimes following an undercover online sting operation, according to a report from KATU News. The investigation, which began in December 2024, involved an undercover police officer from Bothell, Washington, who posed as a 13-year-old girl and communicated with 36-year-old Oscar Armando Ramirez of Portland.
According to KATU News, the chats between Ramirez and the undercover officer took place over four days, during which Ramirez allegedly engaged in lewd conversation about acts he wanted to perform on the "teen". The officer also claimed that Ramirez shared that he taught 9th-11th graders. Eventually, Ramirez and the undercover officer arranged to meet when the "teen’s" parents were out of town.
The Bothell Police notified Portland Police about the interactions, and PPB officials then notified the Gresham-Barlow School District, resulting in Ramirez being placed on leave. Portland Police began investigating and notified the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. On June 3, 2025, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted Ramirez on three counts of felony luring of a minor and one count of felony second-degree online sexual corruption of a child.
On Friday, June 6, officers with the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), and a K9 unit arrested Ramirez outside of his home in Southeast Portland. According to KATU News, authorities have stated that their investigation has not revealed any crimes involving any of Ramirez’s students or other children.
A spokesperson for the Gresham-Barlow School District issued a statement, as reported by KATU News, saying: "Earlier today, Oscar Ramirez, a social studies teacher at Gresham High School, was arrested by the Portland Police Bureau. He was charged with 3 counts of Luring a Minor and 1 count of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child." The district also stated that "the police have informed us that there is no evidence that GHS students were involved."
The district also provided further information, as quoted by KATU News: "Mr. Ramirez is a social studies teacher employed in the Gresham-Barlow School District in the fall of 2021. When he was hired, the required fingerprinting and background checks completed by the district did not reveal any criminal record." The district also stated that they will provide counseling support to the Gresham High School community as needed.
The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information about this case, or any information about crimes Ramirez has committed, is asked to contact Detective Nathan Moore at strong>[email protected]. This latest development serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and robust safeguarding measures in schools and communities.
As reported by KATU News, the Gresham-Barlow School District will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and follow their human resources protocols related to Ramirez’s employment. The district’s priority is to ensure the well-being and safety of its students and staff.
The incident highlights the growing concern of online exploitation and the need for increased awareness and education on the risks associated with online interactions. As this case continues to unfold, KATU News will provide updates and further information as it becomes available.
In related news, authorities are urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant and have open conversations with their children about online safety and the potential risks associated with social media and online interactions.
The Gresham-Barlow School District has assured that they will provide support to the Gresham High School community as needed, and that they will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure that all necessary measures are taken.
According to KATU News, the Portland Police Bureau is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Bothell Police Department and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of effective safeguarding measures and the role that communities can play in preventing such crimes. By working together, authorities and communities can help prevent such incidents and ensure a safer environment for all.
