City & Government

Former Springfield mayor’s son charged with child sex crimes

Benjamin Lundberg

SPRINGFIELD — Three days after Christine Lundberg abruptly resigned from her position as Springfield mayor, her son was arrested on child sex abuse charges. 

Benjamin Lundberg, 39, of Springfield was arrested on Aug. 18 on 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse, according Springfield Police sgt. David Lewis.

Lundberg’s arrest was the result of an ongoing investigation into child pornography involving the Springfield Police, the Eugene Police and other State jurisdictions, including Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC).

On Aug. 13, a search warrant was served at a residence in West Springfield and police seized numerous digital devices owned by Benjamin Lundberg. The seizure revealed child sex abuse materials.

Two days later, on Aug. 15, Mayor Christine Lundberg announced that she is resigning immediately.  In a letter posted on the City of Springfield’s website on Saturday, the mayor stated: “I make this decision with a heavy heart. The role of mayor has been an enormous honor. Springfield is such a wonderful community. I have always felt blessed to serve as your mayor.”

Ben Lundberg Photography studio is listed at 5904 G Street. His website and phone number are disconnected, though reviews online mention wedding photography. One of his social media pages largely posts photos of models and weddings.

In September 2017, he damaged 27 vehicles after going on an alcohol-fueled tire-slashing spree in Springfield. He was in jail for three months for the incident.

He was arrested in 2006 for an intoxicated driving charge that was dismissed after he completed a court-ordered diversion program, according to court records.

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