Umatilla Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Making Hoax Abuse Reports

PORTLAND, Ore. — Thomas Goatley, 23, of Umatilla, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for distributing child sexual abuse material and making harassing phone calls in which he falsely claimed to be sexually abusing children, U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford announced today.

According to court documents, from at least September 2023 through April 2024, Goatley used multiple online platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Discord and X, to view, receive and distribute child sexual abuse material. When he was arrested in July 2024, investigators found approximately 50 images and 40 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children in his possession.

Court records show Goatley also made numerous anonymous harassing phone calls to schools, police departments, emergency dispatch centers, animal shelters and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). During the calls, he falsely claimed to be sexually abusing a child and provided fabricated details about the alleged abuse.

Among other incidents, Goatley repeatedly contacted an elementary school in Helena, Montana, and falsely claimed to be abusing a student. He also called an elementary school in Newcastle, Wyoming, and falsely reported that he had abducted and was abusing a student. In response, schools in Newcastle were placed on lockdown while law enforcement officers from multiple agencies worked to locate the caller.

Goatley also contacted the Dearborn, Michigan, Police Department and falsely claimed to be abusing his 12-year-old daughter at a local hotel. Officers responded and determined the room he described did not exist.

Between Feb. 17 and April 8, 2024, Goatley made 10 calls to NCMEC falsely claiming to be abusing either his daughter or sister. During many of the calls, he provided false identifying information.

On Aug. 12, 2026, Goatley waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a five-count information charging one count of distributing child pornography and four counts of making obscene or harassing telephone calls.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Goatley to pay $1,000 to NCMEC, pay a $500 special assessment and forfeit digital devices used in the offenses.

“Individuals who distribute child sexual abuse material contribute to the ongoing exploitation of children, while false reports of child abuse divert critical law enforcement resources and create fear in communities,” said Scott Bradford, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for both harms.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.