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CORVALLIS, Ore. – On July 16, 2024, a Benton County Circuit Court Judge sentenced Lawrence Lemaster Sr, 67, to 525 months prison time for sex crimes going back to 1990.
On May 17, 2024, a 12-person jury found Lemaster guilty of 21 offenses, including:
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In April of 2021, detectives from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the Corvallis Police Department investigated reports of sex abuse by a male victim, who alleged sex abuse by Lemaster when he was four years old. Another victim, a female, reported abuse when she was 10 to 12 years old. Both victims were known to him.
“We are relieved to announce the conviction of a sex offender, a critical step in an ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of our Benton County community. The verdict reflects the tireless efforts of law enforcement and advocates who work diligently to protect our citizens,” stated Sheriff Van Arsdall. “We encourage victims to come forward and seek justice and know that we stand with them in their pursuit of safety and healing.”
BCSO would like to thank the Corvallis Police Department, the ABC House, and the Benton County District Attorney’s Office, for their assistance and prosecution of this case.
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CORVALLIS, Ore. – Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is seeking assistance with a public indecency case involving 49-year-old Stephen Michael Lea, of Junction City, OR.
BCSO arrested Lea on June 26, 2024, after he made online arrangements to meet an undercover deputy to make a sexually explicit video in a Corvallis park near a playground.
Lea has been convicted of public indecency in the past and BCSO believes there may be similar cases that have gone unreported in Benton, Linn, and Lane Counties going back to 2021.
If you have information related to the investigation of public indecency, to include masturbation, nudity, and/or sexual activity in public by who you believe to be Lea, please email BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call the BCSO tip line at 541-753-TIPS (8477) and reference case #202401630.
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CORVALLIS, Ore. – This morning, July 17, 2024, at about 10:00 am, the deceased body of Naomi Pomeroy was located on the Willamette River about a half mile upstream of Hyak Park between Corvallis and Albany.
People canoeing on the river spotted a body and called 9-1-1.
BCSO marine deputies arrived shortly after, located a deceased female on a shallow section of bedrock near the middle of the river with about one to two feet of water.
According to the victim’s description, the female was identified as Naomi Pomeroy, missing since July 13, 2024.
Deputies released Naomi to a funeral home and notified her family of the recovery.
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CORVALLIS, Ore. – Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) continues search efforts for their first drowning victim of the year, 49-year-old Naomi Pomeroy, of Portland, OR
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, at about 8:25 pm, Naomi drowned in the Willamette River near river mile 132 in Corvallis, about 100 yards upstream from the Mary’s River.
An investigation by BCSO determined three floaters on tubes and a paddle board, secured together, were caught on an exposed snag in the water. One of the floaters, Naomi, was pulled under the water and held by the paddle board leash.
Corvallis Fire Department was first on scene with a boat and was unable to recover Naomi. BCSO responded shortly after and quickly began searching downriver from the incident site, both by land and water.
Corvallis Fire Department personnel recovered the two other floaters on the shore and safely transported them to a boat launch.
BCSO deputies searched the area using all available tools, including sonar, underwater cameras, and drones, but were unable to locate any signs of Naomi in the area due to heavy debris.
After all usable daylight diminished, search efforts were suspended due to boat safety and dive teams not being able to respond or deploy due to conditions.
A BCSO boat has been on the water every day since Saturday to recover Naomi and plans to continue search. BCSO will continue to re-assess the recovery mission daily.
The public can assist by keeping an eye out for Naomi’s body and are encouraged to wear a life jacket and follow other boating laws and safety precautions. If located, immediately call 9-1-1 dispatch; do not attempt recovery efforts.
“I am dedicated to locating Naomi to bring her home to her family and loved ones”, said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission and support during this difficult time.”
Rivers are inherently dangerous with current and hazards. Know and/or scout rivers before you go at https://willamettewatertrail.org/plan-your-trip/.
If you float rivers, do not tie yourself to a paddle board unless you have a quick release leash. Also, do not tie two or more inner tubes together; this requires you to have a life jacket for each person. Kids 12 and younger must wear life jacket. BCSO continues to remind paddlers of all laws at https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/pages/propulsion-landing-pages/go-paddling.aspx.
BCSO would like to thank the Corvallis Fire Department, Corvallis Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and Albany Fire Department for their assistance.
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Corvallis, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is now accepting applications for its 2024 Citizens’ Academy. This free program is designed to give participants an opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.
The Academy begins Tuesday, September 3rd, and meets for ten sessions ending October 22nd. The class will meet each Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on two Saturdays, September 28th and October 12th, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Most classes meet at the Sheriff’s Office in Corvallis.
During the program, participants will gain insight into the challenges and accomplishments of the BCSO. Most of the instructors are sworn deputies who share their experiences with the class.
The Citizens’ Academy covers all aspects of the Sheriff’s responsibilities including law enforcement, emergency management, search and rescue, parole and probation, jail operations, support services, and management of the Office.
The Citizens' Academy is not designed to train citizens as law enforcement personnel or to exercise law enforcement authority of any kind.
The Academy is geared toward adults; BCSO does not accept those under the age of 14. Applicants between the ages of 14 and 17 must have signed consent from a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The class fills up quickly, so BCSO encourages you to register early. The deadline for applications is August 28, 2024.
Applications are available online at Citizens' Academy - Benton County Sheriff's Office, Oregon (bentoncountyor.gov) or in person at the Law Enforcement Building, 180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis. For further information, contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 541-766-6858.
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