University of Oregon professor pleads not guilty, faces 10 felony counts

Andrew Goble, 72, a longtime history professor at the University of Oregon, pleaded not guilty on December 10 to 10 felony counts of first degree encouraging child sexual abuse, according to court records. The grand jury indictment alleges Goble knowingly duplicated or exchanged visual recordings of sexually explicit conduct involving a child, with dates in the indictment ranging from September 27 to November 1.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office arrested Goble on November 21 after executing a search warrant at a residence on the 1900 block of Dogwood Drive in Eugene. He first appeared in court on November 24 by video link from the Lane County Jail. He has since been released from custody under conditions that include avoiding contact with anyone under 18. The university placed Goble on administrative leave following his arrest.

The charges are felony allegations and carry significant legal consequences if proven, but Goble has pleaded not guilty and the case remains in pretrial stages. No trial date has been set. The next court appearance is scheduled for December 29, which will likely address pretrial motions and conditions of release.

For students, faculty and local residents the case presents immediate institutional and civic considerations. The university must balance employee due process with student safety and transparency, and residents who engage with campus programs may seek clear information about reporting protocols and support services. The administrative leave action removes Goble from regular campus duties while the legal process continues, but it does not resolve questions about campus notification practices or long term institutional safeguards.

The Lane County legal process will determine charges and potential trial scheduling. Residents can monitor public court dockets and official university communications for updates as the case advances. The presumption of innocence remains a foundational principle in criminal proceedings, and the coming court dates will provide the next opportunities for formal evidence and legal argument.

This development underscores the intersection of criminal justice procedures and university governance in Lane County, and it will remain a matter of public interest as authorities and the university move forward with investigative, administrative and legal steps.