Klamath Falls, OR — On January 8, 2026, 39-year-old Joshua Michael Gonhue was sentenced in Klamath County Circuit Court to sixteen (16) years in the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections following convictions for multiple sex crimes involving children.
Gonhue was convicted on thirteen (13) counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and one (1) count of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree.

On December 19, 2025, Gonhue appeared at a judicial settlement conference, where he pleaded guilty to fourteen (14) 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 Oregon Department of Justice.


The Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) began its investigation on December 14, 2023, after patrol officers received information indicating that Gonhue was in possession of child sexual abuse material. The investigation was subsequently referred to the KFPD 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 (ICAC) Task Force received numerous CyberTips implicating Gonhue in the offenses. These tips were forwarded to KFPD’s designated ICAC detective, who was also the lead investigator in the original case. The Oregon Department of Justice later adopted the case.

Gonhue was arrested by KFPD officers on May 28, 2025, and has remained in custody since that time.

The Klamath Falls Police Department remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and holding offenders accountable for their actions. KFPD also
extends its appreciation to the Oregon Department of Justice for its assistance and guidance in these complex and egregious cases.

If you believe someone is encouraging child sexual abuse (including requesting, sharing, promoting, or facilitating child sexual abuse material), it’s important to report it as soon as
possible by contacting our office at 541-883-5336. You can also make a report online to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), who operates the CyberTipline
and is the primary national reporting system and works with ICAC task forces and local authorities.