Man allegedly shared intimate photos stolen from Snapchat, including of minors

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man who allegedly stole intimate photos from people on Snapchat and then redistributed them is facing multiple charges, including online sex crimes against children, authorities said.

Earlier this year, 26-year-old Eugene resident Devon J. Patel was indicted by a grand jury in Lane County on several charges following an investigation that began three years ago.

In November 2022, a Washington County resident who is an Oregon State University student reported to authorities “that her intimate images and videos stored on Snapchat had been stolen, sold, and distributed without her consent,” the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said.

After a years-long investigation, it was discovered there were “more than three dozen victims, some of whom were minors,” officials said.

“In May 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence and seized electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, and a portable storage device,” WCSO said in a press release. “A detailed analysis of the items revealed how the suspect was able to access his victims’ Snapchat accounts to steal their images and videos. Investigators also learned that the suspect was selling these images and videos to others.”

WCSO investigators believe there could be additional victims. They forwarded the case to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.

Patel now faces charges that include five counts of computer crimes and three counts of first-degree encouraging child sex abuse.

WSCO was assisted in their investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Eugene Police Department, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon.