Klamath Falls, OR. — A Klamath Falls man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following convictions for multiple sex crimes involving children, authorities announced.
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. Court records show that on December 19, 2025, Gonhue appeared at a judicial settlement conference, where he pleaded guilty to fourteen counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse and was sentenced by the court.
The case was prosecuted by the Oregon Department of Justice and investigated by the Klamath Falls Police Department in partnership with the Department of Justice.
According to investigators, Klamath Falls Police began the investigation on December 14, 2023, after patrol officers received information indicating Gonhue was in possession of child sexual abuse material. The case was referred to the department’s detective division, and a report was 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 multiple CyberTips implicating Gonhue. The tips were forwarded to KFPD’s designated ICAC detective, who also served as the lead investigator in the original case. The Department of Justice later adopted the case for prosecution.
Gonhue was arrested by Klamath Falls Police officers on May 28, 2025, and has remained in custody since that time.
The Klamath Falls Police Department stated it remains committed to protecting vulnerable members of the community and holding offenders accountable. The department also expressed appreciation to 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 immediately by contacting the Klamath Falls Police Department at 541-883-5336 or by submitting a report to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children through its CyberTipline.
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