Oregon man accused of making hoax calls to schools, threatening sexual violence

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – An Umatilla man faces charges for making hoax calls to schools, police departments and animal shelters around the country with threats of sexual violence against children, the Oregon District Atorney’s Office announced Friday.

Thomas Loren Goatley, 20, is accused of making more than 60 phone calls in at least 12 states between Jan. 5 and April 30 in which he claimed he was sexually assaulting a child or was about to do so, according to court documents.

On July 22, authorities reported a search of Goatley’s home where they found “dozens of illicit images and videos depicting child sexual abuse” on his cell phone. He was immediately placed under arrest, officials said.

Goatley has since appeared in court and pleaded not guilty with a trial scheduled for Oct. 22, 2024.

“Receiving and possessing child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence,” according to the DA’s office. “Transmitting interstate threats is punishable by up to five years in federal prison.”

Anyone with information about Goatley is encouraged to contact the Umatilla Police Department.