LA PINE MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AND MARIJUANA CHARGES (Photo) -01/30/25

Released by: Sergeant Thomas Lilienthal

Release Date: January 30, 2025

Location: 52000 Block of Ranch Drive, La Pine, OR

Arrestee: Levi Jameson Witsoe, 35-year-old male

Charges:

• Unlawful Manufacture Marijuana ORS 475C.349(3)(c) (Felony)
• Prohibition against importing or exporting marijuana items ORS 475c.229 (Felony)
• 10x Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree ORS 163.684 (Felony)
• 10x Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree ORS 163.686 (Felony)

Victim: 16-year-old Female Juvenile, name whitheld

NARRATIVE:

In January of 2024, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit received an ICAC Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). This Cybertip detailed an unknown user who shared an image of Child Sexual Abuse Material on the chat application Kik within Deschutes County. Through multiple search warrants and subpoenas, the ICAC unit was able to identify the user as Levi Jameson Witsoe of La Pine.

While conducting surveillance operations, the ICAC unit identified information consistent with Witsoe being involved in an illegal marijuana operation and contacted the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement (DCIMME) team for assistance. DCIMME began to investigate and develop information on Witsoe over the next several months.

In August of 2024, a joint search warrant operation was conducted in the 52000 Block of Ranch Drive in La Pine for Witsoe. This joint operation was conducted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office ICAC unit, Oregon State Police ICAC unit, Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement team, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE), Federal Bureau of Investigations, and Deschutes County Detectives Unit, Street Crimes Unit, and Digital Forensics Unit.

During this search warrant, 127 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were located and seized, in addition to 6 firearms, U.S. currency, packaging and shipping material, and several large totes full of marijuana seeds in various stages of packaging were seized as well. ICAC detectives also seized digital devices belonging to Witsoe to continue with their investigation.

Several search warrants were obtained for the seized digital devices as well as for data from online accounts operated by Witsoe that were discovered during the analysis of those devices. Digital Forensics Detectives located a large number of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. This child was identified a 16-year-old female juvenile who resides in Deschutes County. The Oregon Department of Human Services was contacted and assisted with ensuring that the child was safe.

Upon the completion of the analysis of Witsoe's digital devices and data from his online accounts, Witsoe was indicted on the listed Child Sex Abuse charges on 01/16/2025. Witsoe turned himself into the Deschutes County Adult Jail on 01/22/2025 without incident.

The Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement (DCIMME) program is a partnership between the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE), and the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office to address illegal marijuana activity in Deschutes County. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Grocery Store Shenanigans Lead To Arrest Of Two Transients In Terrebonne (Photo) -01/29/25

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office SWAT And Central Oregon Emergency Response Team Apprehend Wanted Male From California (Photo) -01/21/25

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Location: 26300 Highway 20, east of Bend, Oregon

Arrested: Juarez, Salvador Edward, 50-year-old male, Shasta County

Charges: Nationwide Felony Warrant- Original Charges: Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Trespass

Narrative:

On January 18^th, 2025, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office received information from the Redding (CA) Police Department, that a subject with a nationwide felony warrant was possibly in Deschutes County. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division learned that Salvador Edward Juarez was currently located on private property, 26300 Highway 20, east of Bend.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Detective’s Division applied for and was granted a search warrant for Juarez, and evidence of any crimes committed in Oregon and California.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team together with the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) initiated a surveillance operation and were able to locate Juarez at the above listed address.

Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) consists of members from multiple jurisdictions within the tri-county area and is a regional SWAT team.

On January 19^th, 2025, after a lengthy ground and aerial surveillance operation, confirmation was received that Juarez was indeed present at the property, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) established an operational plan to take him into custody.

Within minutes of multiple armored rescue vehicles and SWAT and CERT personnel being on scene, Juarez surrendered unclothed without incident and was taken into custody on the above listed felony warrant.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Central Oregon Emergency Team for partnering with us to bring about a swift and safe resolution to this incident.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Fatal Crash Closes SW Canal Boulevard (Photo) -01/10/25

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: January 10, 2025

Location: SW Canal Blvd at SW Quarry Ave, Redmond, Oregon

Vehicle #1: 2000 Subaru Legacy, maroon

Driver: Hughes, Bradley, 16-year-old male, Bend, Oregon

Vehicle #2: 2022 Toyota Tacoma, white

Driver: Palacios Arroyo, Samuel, 56-year-old male, Salem, Oregon

Passenger: Enriguez Perez, Victor, 31-year-old male, Salem, Oregon

Narrative:

On January 9^th, 2025, at 5:00 pm, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of a head on motor vehicle crash with injuries near the intersection of SW. Canal Boulevard and SW Quarry Avenue. Deschutes County 911 Dispatch advised SW Canal Blvd. was blocked as a result of the crash.

According to witnesses the Subaru Legacy was travelling north on SW Canal Blvd. when it suddenly crossed the center line into the oncoming lane and collided head on with the Toyota Tacoma.

The driver of the Subaru sustained serious injuries and was transported to the St. Charles, Bend. The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was un-injured. The passenger of the Toyota Tacoma sustained minor injuries and was transported to St. Charles, Redmond.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined the driver of the Subaru was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. Intoxicants and speed are not considered factors in the crash.

Investigators learned later in the evening, Hughes had succumbed to the injuries he sustained as a result of the crash and passed away.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office extends it heartfelt condolences to the family.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Investigating Suspicious Death (Photo) -01/07/25

****UPDATE****

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: January 7, 2025

Narrative:

On December 20th, 2024, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office began investigating a suspicious death at a camp in the area of Masten Road and Jackpine Loop, La Pine, Oregon.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division has been advised by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office the manner of death is being ruled a homicide.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division is continuing to work closely with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon State Police Crime Lab, and the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.

At this time the investigation is on-going, further information will be released when it becomes available. Name and age of the victim is being withheld currently.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact Deschutes County 911 Dispatch at 541-693-6911 reference case # 24-72494

****END OF UPDATE****

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: December 20, 2024

Location:  Area of Masten Road and Jackpine Loop 

Narrative:

On December 20th, 2024, at approximately 8:30 am, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of a deceased subject at a camp north of Masten Road and east of Jackpine Loop. Upon arrival deputies began investigating a suspicious death.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, the Oregon State Police Crime Lab, and the Medical Examiner’s Office. 

At this time the investigation is active and on-going, further information will be released when it becomes available.

Investigators believe this is an isolated incident, however we ask the public to remain vigilant, if suspicious persons or vehicle are witnessed, please contact Deschutes County 911.

End of Release

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Mentor A Child With An Incarcerated Parent- Winter Volunteer Training (Photo) -01/06/25

Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY), a program of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, is offering a class to prepare volunteers to become mentors for children with an incarcerated parent.
After initial training and comprehensive background checks, volunteers are matched with a child in Bend, Redmond, Sisters or LaPine that share similar interests and activities and commit to spending a few hours a week together for a minimum of one year. This time is often spent on outside activities, exploring the community, doing art or craft projects, cooking or baking, or simply hanging out and talking.

On Saturday, January 18, COPY will offer a volunteer training. This 3½-hour class covers program policies, Q&A from a current volunteer, how to establish a mentor relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, communication skills, and the stages of a mentoring relationship. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is required. Light snacks and refreshments provided.
For additional details please call 541-388-6651 or email COPY@deschutes.org  Additional program information is available at the Sheriff’s Office web site at www.sheriff.deschutes.org/copy.