Ex-Bend man accused of luring minors online

A 32-year-old former Bend resident arrested last month faces a growing list of charges, accused of texting and going online to pursue at least two minors for sexual purposes, officers said Monday.

An investigation began on Oct. 14, when detectives learned Micah Kevin Kennedy had been texting and using various social media sites to contact and pursue minor children, said Lt. Brian Kindel.

Two days later, Kennedy, who moved from Bend to Federal Way, Wash., about six months ago, was arrested in Bend on charges of first-degree online sexual corruption of a child and luring a minor, Kindel said.

After his arrest, a search warrant was executed in Federal Way that found he possessed several images of child pornography, the lieutenant said. As a result, he was charged with 10 counts of second-degree encouraging sexual abuse.

Kennedy remained jailed late Monday, held on $300,000 bail.

Kindel said police have identified two victims and believe there will be others. He said they are conducting forensics examination of a computer as their investigation continues, and more charges are possible.

Bend police asked anyone with information regarding the case to contact Detective Chris Morin at (541) 312-7956.