Klamath Falls, OR. — A Klamath Falls man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for multiple sex crimes involving children following a multi-year investigation by state and local authorities.
On January 8, 2026, Joshua Michael Gonhue, 39, was sentenced in Klamath County Circuit Court to sixteen years in the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections.
Gonhue was convicted on thirteen counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and one count of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree. He pleaded guilty to all fourteen counts during a judicial settlement conference on December 19, 2025.
The case was prosecuted by the Oregon Department of Justice and investigated by the Klamath Falls Police Department in coordination with the Department of Justice.
According to investigators, the Klamath Falls Police Department began its investigation on December 14, 2023, after patrol officers received information that Gonhue was in possession of child sexual abuse material. The case was referred to the department’s Detective Division, and findings were forwarded to the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office for review.
During the investigation, the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received numerous CyberTips implicating Gonhue. These tips were routed to a designated ICAC detective with the Klamath Falls Police Department, who served as the lead investigator. The Department of Justice later formally adopted the case.
Gonhue was arrested by Klamath Falls police officers on May 28, 2025, and has remained in custody since his arrest.
The Klamath Falls Police Department stated it remains committed to protecting vulnerable community members and holding offenders accountable, and thanked the Oregon Department of Justice for its assistance in the investigation and prosecution.
Anyone who believes someone is encouraging child sexual abuse — including requesting, sharing, promoting, or facilitating child sexual abuse material — is urged to report it by contacting the Klamath Falls Police Department at 541-883-5336 or submitting a report to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children through its CyberTipline.
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