Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy Recovers Stolen Christmas Presents - 12/23/25
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – As final holiday packages arrive over the next 24 hours, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) reminds community members to pick up deliveries as soon as possible.
This reminder follows the arrest of a 44-year-old woman accused of stealing packages from six different homes in Gresham.
“This arrest is the result of our deputies doing exactly what our community expects of them – being alert and committed to their patrol districts so that when something seems out of place, they assess the situation and take appropriate action,” said Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “Our MCSO deputies are proactive and making a difference when it comes to public safety and this case shows why strong and consistent community-oriented policing matters.”
Around 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, MCSO Deputy Josh Delatorre saw a woman walking near Southeast 282nd Avenue and Southeast Chase Street.
Deputy Delatorre stopped and talked with the woman. The woman hadn’t committed any crimes, so Deputy Delatorre told the woman to be safe and continued his day.
About 30 minutes later, Deputy Delatorre finished report writing and went back to the area to check on the woman. As he approached, he saw the woman carrying several packages. Deputy Delatorre had reasonable suspicion the packages were stolen so he contacted her once again.
Deputy Delatorre confirmed the woman was in unlawful possession of stolen mail. He requested backup and with the help of other MCSO deputies and Gresham Police, they identified six victims who had items including shoes and other packages stolen.
All the items had been left outside on the homeowner’s front porch or at their front door – most appeared to be recently delivered Christmas packages.
MCSO is releasing video of one of the alleged package thefts. Media may use this video by crediting the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies developed probable cause to arrest 44-year-old Patty Walker. Deputies booked her into the Multnomah County Detention Center. Walker is charged with one count of theft in the second-degree.
Tips to help prevent package theft include:
- Collect packages as soon as they are delivered, if possible. Package thefts are crimes of opportunity.
- Consider installing smart locks to your garage, home or shed. These locks allow delivery drivers to place packages inside for additional security.
- If you’re not home, enlist help from a trusted neighborhood to collect your packages.
- If your employer allows, have your packages sent to your office or use a retail pick-up option like Amazon Lockers.
- Invest in doorbell cameras and external home security cameras, if possible. While these may not always deter a thief, they can help provide law enforcement evidence.
- Sign up for tracking alerts to get real-time text/email alerts and provide specific drop-off instructions.
A photo of Deputy Delatorre is being released. Media may use this photo with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
ORS 133.870 generally prohibits the release of jail booking photos to the public unless it is determined that there is a law enforcement purpose.
The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.
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