A Portland resident, Tyler Matthew Mandera, 25, appeared in federal court after being indicted by a grand jury on charges of child sex trafficking. Mandera pleaded not guilty and will remain in custody until his trial, which is set for February 3, 2026.
Court documents allege that between October 11 and October 14, 2025, Mandera recruited and enticed a minor to engage in commercial sex acts. If convicted, he could face up to life in federal prison, lifetime supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation with support from the Tigard Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
“An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” according to the release.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The project coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to prosecute offenders and assist victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) provides support for victims or those with information about human trafficking situations through its hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or via text at 233733. The NHTRC operates nationwide around the clock and also accepts tips online.
