JUST IN: Redmond man arrested and indicted on child sex abuse charges following DCSO investigation

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A 23-year-old Redmond man was indicted by a Deschutes County grand jury this week6 on 20 felony counts related to the sharing of illegal child sexual abuse material.

Gelsyn Yahir Hernandez also faces a misdemeanor charge involving the sexual assault of an animal.

The investigation began in December 2025 when the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received multiple reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. These reports involved two accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter and a related tip from Snapchat tied to the same individual.

Detectives identified Hernandez as the suspect following a series of subpoenas and search warrants. On March 4, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants at his residence and vehicle. The operation involved assistance from the Redmond Police Department, the FBI and digital forensics teams from both agencies. Investigators seized multiple digital devices during the search.

Forensic analysis of the seized devices continued for several weeks. Authorities stated that the analysis confirmed the presence of media consistent with the initial reports and revealed additional evidence involving the abuse of animals. Hernandez was arrested on March 20, 2026.

Hernandez was previously employed by the High Desert Education Service District. Officials from the district have cooperated fully with the investigation. Authorities confirmed that Hernandez did not work directly with children and is no longer employed by the district. The sheriff's office stated there is no information indicating that any children in Central Oregon or at the district were victimized.

The grand jury indictment filed on Tuesday includes 10 counts of encouraging child sex abuse in the first degree and 10 counts of encouraging child sex abuse in the second degree, both of which are felonies. Hernandez also faces one misdemeanor count of encouraging sexual assault of an animal.

Court records reviewed by KTVZ News show Hernandez was arraigned Monday on initial charges and released from the county jail on Tuesday after posting 10% of his $100,000 bail. He's due back in court April 7 for arraignment on the indictment.

Conditions of his release include no possession of devices with access to the internet, or contact with any minors or places where they gather. He's also not to own or possess animals.