ALBANY, Ore. — A Linn County man was arrested on March 12 and charged with online sexual corruption of a child, following an investigation that began just days earlier.
Fritz Henry Lutje, 48, of Albany, was taken into custody by the Lebanon Police Department (LPD) after detectives were alerted to an inappropriate online conversation involving the suspect and someone he believed to be a minor. The tip came on the afternoon of March 11, when a concerned citizen reached out to law enforcement about sexually explicit messages between Lutje and the individual.
According to the LPD, the investigation revealed that the online interactions began in January 2025. During this time, Lutje allegedly engaged in explicit conversations and proposed meeting in person. The LPD did not reveal whether the person he communicated with was an undercover officer or another individual posing as a minor.
On March 12, following a thorough investigation, detectives located and arrested Lutje at his Albany residence. He was subsequently booked into the Linn County Jail on charges of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree.
While LPD officials stated that they had minimal prior contact with Lutje, they clarified that any past interactions had been non-criminal in nature.
The investigation into Lutje’s activities is ongoing, and authorities have indicated that additional charges or developments could arise as they continue to gather evidence. The Lebanon Police Department urged anyone with further information to come forward to assist in the ongoing case.
The arrest highlights growing concerns about the dangers of online predators targeting vulnerable minors. Authorities have continued to emphasize the importance of vigilance in monitoring online interactions, particularly for children and teens.
Lutje’s case will likely draw further attention as it progresses through the judicial system.
