Portland, Oregon man arrested after traveling to Seattle for sex with children

Seattle – A 56-year-old Portland, Oregon, man appeared in Federal Court today, following a six-week investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Seattle Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Marc David McCool was arrested May 16, 2024, when he arrived at a Seattle area hotel, allegedly intending to sexually abuse fictitious 7 and 11-year-old children. When arrested McCool had various items reflective of his sexual interest in abusing children: condoms, baby oil, rope, and stuffed animals.

According to records filed in the case, McCool responded to an ad posted on social media by an undercover law enforcement agent. Over more than six weeks of “chats” via the Kik Messenger App, McCool allegedly described his sexual interest in children, his sexual abuse of other victims, and the types of “trophies” he kept from those prior criminal sexual acts. Ultimately, McCool made arrangements to travel to Seattle allegedly believing he would sexually abuse two young children. He was arrested after he traveled by train and a rideshare to the meet location.

McCool is charged with attempted enticement of a minor and travel with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor.

Attempted enticement of a minor is punishable by no less than 10 years to lifetime imprisonment. Traveling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor is punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment.

The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigation as part of the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes against Children Task Force (ICAC).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.

U.S. v McCool MJ24-297