Ph.D. Research Scientist Arrested On 50 Counts Of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse, Police Say

PHILOMATH, OR — A Corvallis man on Monday was arrested by police detectives for more than 50 counts of encouraging child sex abuse, according to Corvallis police spokesman Lt. Daniel Duncan.

Corey Robert Koch, 35, was taken to the Benton County Jail in Corvallis on 54 counts of second degree encouraging child sex abuse. His bail is set at $4 million.

Koch's arrest Monday reportedly stems from a previous arrest on April 13, when Koch was allegedly found "peeping through the window of a partially dressed female" in the 700-block of Southwest Washington Avenue in Corvallis, Duncan said.

Koch, who was wearing a mask at the time, was allegedly caught by a community member who confronted him in the act, Duncan said. Koch reportedly ran but was detained by the community member until police arrived.

Following his arrest, Koch was charged with invasion of personal privacy and criminal trespass. (That case had a plea hearing scheduled for Sept. 1.) His cellphone, which was taken as evidence, was later found to contain several photos of other unidentified females in various stages of undress, Duncan said, noting the females were likely unaware they were being photographed.

Additionally, thousands of child sex abuse images were reportedly found on Koch's phone, leading to his arrest Aug. 28 at his place of work.

Koch, according to his employer's website, is a Ph.D. research associate for Sea-Bird Scientific in Philomath, Oregon, a small town on Highway 20 west of Corvallis.

Koch, the website says, "has a background in analytical chemistry with a focus on in-situ sensor development, miniaturization, and environmental chemistry. His interests lie in biogeochemistry, oil spill science & sensors, fate and transport of pollutants, microfluidics, reagent chemistry, spectroscopy, and instrument design."

The investigation will continue, Duncan said. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to call Det. Greg Kantola at 541-766-6781.

Photo Courtesy: Corvallis Police Department