BEAVERTON, Ore. (KOIN) — Beaverton police used a “To Catch a Predator” style sting to arrest a Salem man accused of raping a 13-year-old girl.

Investigators were tipped off by the FBI after 20-year-old Jonathan Tyler was flagged for talking to two girls — ages 13 and 15 — through a social media site. Officers arranged a meeting where Tyler thought he would be seeing the 15-year-old for sex. Instead, he was arrested.

“He certainly knew they were underage,” Beaverton police spokesperson Jeremy Shaw said. “Either he didn’t care or he was just looking to prey upon young victims.”

Police said Tyler’s communication with the 13-year-old victim started in April. They allegedly met multiple times near her Beaverton home.

“It is critical that we talk to our kids,” Shaw said. “Parents need to be really aware, be in their kids’ business and watch for applications popping up on the cell phones.”

The two victims knew each other, but police said they aren’t connected with Tyler’s job at the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation, where he had worked with minors since 2014. 

The Salem-Keizer Education Foundation released this statement about Tyler’s arrest:

Earlier today, Beaverton Police announced the arrest of Jonathan (Johnny) Tyler.  Mr. Tyler was employed by SKEF as a site assistant starting in 2014 as part of our Enrichment Academy program.  Upon news of his arrest Mr. Tyler’s employment was terminated. Our goal at SKEF is to create positive educational experiences for students and we will always work closely with our schools to ensure the safety of children in our programs.  To provide a safe environment SKEF program policies state that two employees are on site at all times.  Kids are within sight and sound of staff at all times.  Prior to employment with SKEF, Mr. Tyler passed a background investigation which included fingerprinting and a comprehensive criminal history check. 
While we cannot comment on the current investigation, it is our understanding that the alleged activity was not related to his employment at SKEF.   For specific concerns regarding this case we suggest contacting Beaverton Police.   

Prior to employment with SKEF, Mr. Tyler passed a background investigation which included fingerprinting and a comprehensive criminal history check.  

A Washington County Grand Jury indicted Tyler on charges including 2nd-degree rape, first-degree sex abuse, 2 counts of first-degree online sexual corruption of a minor and 2 counts of luring a minor. He is being held at the Washington County Jail.

Investigators believe there may be other victims due to Tyler’s work with he Salem-Keizer Education Foundation. Anyone with information should call 503.629.0111 to speak to a Beaverton police officer.