Portland man accused of traveling to Seattle with intent to sexually abuse children

File photo. (Source: Getty Images)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A Portland man accused of attempting sexual acts with children appeared in federal court Friday.

According to the Ministry of JusticeMark David McCool, 56, was arrested Thursday after arriving at a Seattle hotel. According to court documents, he was accused of meeting two children and allegedly intending to sexually abuse them. However, the 7- and 11-year-olds McCool believed he was talking to online did not actually exist, authorities said.

According to court documents, McCool responded to a social media ad posted by an undercover law enforcement officer. In chats on the Kik messenger app over a six-week period, McCool is accused of describing sexual interests in children and even giving descriptions of previous victims and collecting “trophies” from them.

After traveling by train and a ride-sharing app to a meeting at a location where he allegedly expected he would sexually abuse two children, McCool was arrested in Seattle, officials said.

“When McCool was arrested, he was carrying a variety of items that reflected his sexual interest in abusing children: condoms, baby oil, rope, and stuffed animals,” a Justice Department news release said.

McCool now faces charges including attempted solicitation of a minor and traveling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor.