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On 06/21/2018, Merlinda M Avalos (11-16-68), a Hillsboro resident, was arrested on 12 counts of Criminal Mistreatment in the first degree and 1 count of tampering with evidence.
The victims in this case are all minors and had lived with Avalos. Avalos is related to the victims and has acted as their guardian since 2012.
The alleged mistreatment include: The victims were subject to being contained in their room - all victims shared one room; They were not allowed to use the bathroom during the night – the victims needed to use a urine jug; Allowed to eat only twice a day – a peanut butter sandwich for breakfast and one for dinner; The victims could only shower one day a week and forced to wear urine soaked clothing to school. If the victims made any noise or got off their beds, they would be beaten with any instrument/object that was available to Avalos. They were not allowed to watch TV, read books or go out and play.
This case is still under investigation. It has been reported that Avalos is also an elderly adult caregiver. If there are any other victims or witnesses to this case or other incidents involving Merlinda Avalos, please contact the Hillsboro Police Department: 503-681-6175.