FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 12, 2019
Felaua'I Satele pleads no contest to September 2016 homicide
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 40-year-old Felaua'I Satele appeared in court on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, and was found guilty, after changing his plea, of causing the death of 45-year-old Michael Hoven.
This investigation started on September 23, 2016 around 11 a.m. when law enforcement responded to reports of a shooting in the Centennial Neighborhood.
On February 11, 2019, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Thomas M. Ryan found Satele guilty after Satele changed his plea to one count of manslaughter in the first degree with a firearm, one count of attempted assault in the second degree, one count of attempted aggravated theft in the first degree and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Sentencing in this case is scheduled at a later date with Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Christopher A. Ramras.
According to court documents previously, Satele and Jessica Hutchinson planned to rob Mr. Hoven.
Mr. Hoven was found deceased in his residence in the 1700 block of Southeast 162nd Avenue of Portland, Oregon. Mr. Hoven was known for having narcotics and money inside his home, according to court documents.
Video surveillance captured Satele, Hutchinson and a third person arriving at Mr. Hoven’s residence in a vehicle driven by Hutchinson, according to court documents. Hutchinson was the first to exit the vehicle and went inside Mr. Hoven’s residence alone. Moments later, the surveillance video recorded Satele getting out of the vehicle, putting a hood over his head and walking to the door.
According to court documents, once Satele entered the home, he and Hutchinson walked into the room where Mr. Hoven was seated. Satele pulled out a gun and exchanged gunfire with Mr. Hoven, killing him. As previously released by the Portland Police Bureau, Mr. Hoven was shot multiple times.
Hutchinson was shot in the arm and Satele was shot in the hand, side and lower leg, according to court documents.
The video surveillance captured Satele, Hutchinson and the third person leaving the scene in the same vehicle they arrived in. Hutchinson was again the driver, according to court documents.
On July 23, 2018, Hutchinson pleaded guilty to one count of murder, one count of manslaughter and one count of criminal conspiracy to commit robbery. Her sentencing is tentatively scheduled for May 17, 2019 with Multnomah County Chief Criminal Judge Cheryl A. Albrecht.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorneys J.R. Ujifusa and David Hannon.
Law enforcement knows the identity of the third person mentioned in this press release. That person is not charged with any crimes at this point. No additional details about him will be released by the District Attorney’s Office.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 12, 2019
Michael Maurice Jackson, 24, receives 10 year prison sentence for shooting a man in Northeast Portland
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 24-year-old Michael Maurice Jackson, who is also known as Michael Jones, received a 10 year prison sentence on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, for shooting a man in Northeast Portland.
On January 18, 2019, Jackson appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Judge Andrew M. Lavin and pleaded no contest to one count of robbery in the first degree with a firearm and one count of assault in the first degree.
The two other co-defendants in this case, Tyler Venegas and Blake David Burch, have previously pleaded not guilty. Both are pending trial.
According to court documents, on April 30, 2018, officers with the Portland Police Bureau responded to a 9-1-1 call in the 3100 block of Northeast 82nd Avenue in Portland, Oregon. The caller told emergency dispatchers that he had been shot while inside a shed.
The victim was transported to the hospital and rushed into surgery, according to court documents. He “suffered significant injuries,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Shawn Overstreet stated in court documents.
During the investigation, law enforcement collected nearby surveillance video. The video shows three males approaching the shed. One of the suspects, later identified as Jackson, is recorded shooting a handgun through a small window of the shed, according to court documents.
All three suspects left the area immediately after the shooting, according to court documents.
Law enforcement distributed an attempt-to-locate flyer using images from the surveillance video. On May 16, 2018, officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau received information about shots being fired in the area of Southeast 160th and Southeast Alder Street. Upon arrival, officers recognized a vehicle that matched the vehicle from the April 30, 2018 shooting depicted in surveillance video. Law enforcement located and detained Burch, according to court documents.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Jackson, Venegas and Burch went to the shed and that it was Jackson’s plan to rob the victim, according to court documents.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the work of the Portland Police Bureau for their dedicated efforts on this case.
The indictments filed against Venegas and Burch are only accusations of crimes. The defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
No additional information will be released by the District Attorney’s Office at this time.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 11, 2019
Marcus Gunther receives prison & treatment sentence for causing $30,000 in damages by illegally spray-painting
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that, 30-year-old Marcus Gunther changed his plea and was sentenced for causing nearly $30,000 in damages by illegally spray-painting on private property.
"This is a sentence that holds Marcus Gunther accountable for his repeated acts of spraying graffiti without permission,” Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, who prosecuted this case, said after sentencing. “It also provides Mr. Gunther an opportunity at treatment, which will benefit him and our entire community.”
Gunther was arrested September 13, 2018 by members of the Portland Police Bureau.
The change of plea and sentencing hearing occurred on February 8, 2019.
Gunther was responsible for numerous acts of vandalism throughout Portland, Oregon.
Primarily, he was spray-painting his "tag" on private property, which included Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) property.
This was a carefully negotiated pre-trial settlement that took into account numerous mitigating and aggravating factors.
Gunther pleaded guilty to four counts of criminal mischief in the first degree and one count of criminal mischief in the second degree.
Gunther received a two year prison sentence and will be enrolled in START (Success through Accountability, Restitution and Treatment) Court for five years upon his release.
He will have to pay approximately $30,000 in restitution.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the numerous patrol officers from the Portland Police Bureau’s Central Precinct and North Precinct and the Street Crimes Unit (SCU) from both precincts for their dedicated efforts investigating this case.
This case was litigated by the Strategic Prosecution Unit within the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, which reviews cases that stem from neighborhood-specific concerns. The unit is primarily responsible for interfacing with the community over specific issues, and handles all types of cases across the criminal justice spectrum to include misdemeanors and homicides.
START is a drug treatment court for adults convicted of property offenses and who have an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Participants attend substance abuse treatment, are supervised by an assigned probation officer, attend court regularly, and submit to random drug testing.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 8, 2019
Shooting caught on camera at TriMet MAX platform in NE Portland results in five year prison sentence
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 60-year-old Michael Adams received a five year prison sentence for shooting a man in spring of 2018.
Adams pleaded guilty to one count of attempted assault in the second degree with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm enhancement.
This investigation started on May 29, 2018 when law enforcement responded to the 82nd Avenue MAX platform, located in the 1500 block of Northeast 82nd Avenue.
“This shooting happened on the sidewalk inches away from innocent bystanders,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Zimmerman, who prosecuted this case, said after sentencing, which was held February 7, 2019. “This shooting stands out not only because it happened during the day, but because Michael Adams, after shooting the victim, tucks his gun into his waistband and walks away like nothing happened.”
When officers arrived, they found community members, including a TriMet bus driver, keeping the area clear so others could provide medical assistance to the victim before law enforcement and paramedics arrived. The victim suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the leg.
Officers worked closely with TriMet to obtain high-definition surveillance video that captured the entire incident.
The video shows the victim walking northbound on Northeast 82nd Avenue in front of a TriMet bus stop. Adams is recorded on video walking up behind the victim and confronting him. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Adams was upset with the victim over an unpaid debt.
When law enforcement arrested Adams on August 1, 2018, they found a .38 caliber revolver strapped to his waist, Adams told law enforcement that he knew he wasn’t supposed to have a gun because he was a convicted felon. Adams also told law enforcement that he shot the victim “to send a message” and that shooting the victim was “street justice.”
“The law doesn’t allow us to take justice into our own hands and shoot people…this was not a self-defense case, and I do think this is an appropriate sentence under the circumstances,” Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Karin Immergut said during the sentencing hearing.
This case was resolved through a carefully negotiated settlement. The District Attorney’s Office took into account mitigating factors that included Adams’ remorse and cooperation with law enforcement.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the dedicated work of the Transit Division Police, Portland Police Officer Aaron Dauchy and PPB Gun Task Force Detectives Joseph Corona and Joseph Churella and TriMet for their dedicated efforts investigating this case.
Two still images from the video surveillance, which shows Adams holding his gun after the shooting, are included with this press release.
This case was litigated by the Strategic Prosecution Unit within the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, which reviews cases that stem from neighborhood-specific concerns. The unit is primarily responsible for meeting with the community over specific issues, and handles all types of cases across the criminal justice spectrum to include misdemeanors and homicides. DDA Zimmerman, who is assigned to SPU, works specifically with TriMet to handle all cases that have a direct TriMet nexus. This allows DDA Zimmerman to become intimately involved with crime trends occurring around the state’s largest public transportation organization and allows DDA Zimmerman to make recommendations to law enforcement and the agency when it comes to addressing public safety. DDA Zimmerman also serves as a liaison for other DDAs in the District Attorney’s Office and can help answer questions that involve TriMet matters.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 7, 2019
Two men, including an off-duty Salem Police officer, charged with multiple felonies
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 35-year-old James Entrico Cardenas and 31-year-old Seth Thomas Thayres appeared in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
Cardenas is charged with two counts of aggravated theft in the first degree, four counts of burglary in the second degree and one count of unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
Thayres is charged with one count of theft in the first degree and one count of unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
A copy of the charging documents and four-page probable cause affidavit can be obtained using case number 19CR09145 and 19CR09146 in the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Thayres is a police officer with the City of Salem, and has been for six years.
This investigation started on February 1, 2019 when law enforcement responded to a business in the 500 block of Southeast Ash Street in Portland, Oregon and learned that video production equipment and computers, valued at more than $10,000 had been taken, according to court documents.
Records state that on February 4, 2019, law enforcement responded to an office building in the 800 block of Southeast Belmont Street and learned that multiple businesses had been burglarized. One of the businesses, a digital production company, reported nearly $20,000 worth of property, mostly video production equipment and computers, had been stolen.
On February 6, 2019, the digital production company located one of their stolen computers that been posted for sale online, according to court documents, according to the affidavit. Law enforcement was notified and detectives with the Portland Police Bureau's Detective Coordination Team arraigned a location with the seller online to purchase the computer, according to court documents.
Law enforcement met with the seller from the online posting, according to court documents. During the investigation, the seller told law enforcement that he had purchased multiple computers from two individuals he called “The Mac Men.” Law enforcement determined that Cardenas and Thayres were “The Mac Men,” according to the affidavit.
Cardenas and Thayres were arrested shortly after midnight on February 7, 2019 in the 9900 block of Northeast Sandy Boulevard.
Cardenas is scheduled to appear back in court on February 15, 2019.
Thayres is scheduled to appear back in court on February 21, 2019.
This remains an on-going criminal investigation and as such, no additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. The defendants in this case are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 6, 2019
Melvin Lee Tillman pleads guilty to 10 commercial burglaries; sentencing set for April 19, 2019
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 63-year-old Melvin Lee Tillman admitted that he committed nearly a dozen separate commercial burglaries in Portland, Oregon during an eight month period in 2018.
On February 5, 2019, Tillman appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Gregory Silver and pleaded guilty to 10 counts of burglary in the second degree.
Tillman admitted that he unlawfully entered, and remained in, the following properties to commit theft:
- January 10, 2018 – A business at 3556 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard;
- January 22, 2018 – A business at 3325 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard;
- February 14, 2018 – A business at 3562 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard;
- April 19, 2018 – A business at 225 Northwest 11th Avenue;
- April 23, 2018 – A business at 333 Northwest 16th Avenue;
- April 23, 2018 – A business at 517 Northwest 23rd Avenue;
- June 15, 2018 – A business at 601 Southeast Morrison Street
- June 18, 2018 – A business at 628 Northeast Broadway Street;
- August 11, 2018 – A business at 622 Northeast Grand Avenue;
- August 12, 2018 – A business at 301 Northeast Knott Street.
According to court documents previously filed in Tillman’s cases, he would either kick in doors or smash out windows to make entry into the businesses in the late evening or early morning hours. In many of the burglaries, Tillman would steal, or attempt to steal, money from cash registers.
As part of the pre-trial agreement reached with the state, Tillman will have an “open sentencing,” which means on April 19, 2019 at 2 p.m., Judge Silver will determine the sentence. Under Oregon law, this case carries a presumptive 30 months prison sentence per count because Tillman is a repeat property offender. The state has agreed not seek a sentence of more than 80 months in prison.
The litigation of Tillman’s cases were handled by Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Christopher Shull and Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Strategic Prosecution Unit, which reviews cases that stem from neighborhood-specific concerns. The unit is primarily responsible for interfacing with the community over specific issues, and handles all types of cases across the criminal justice spectrum to include misdemeanors and homicides.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the work of the patrol officers from the Portland Police Bureau’s Central Precinct, the PPB’s Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team, the PPB’s Detective Division and the PPB’s Forensic Evidence Division for their dedicated efforts investigating these cases.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 6, 2019
Criminal charges filed against 27-year-old man accused of kidnap, assault and rape
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that on February 5, 2019 27-year-old Matthew Lee Fennern was charged with four counts of kidnapping in the first degree, two counts of assault in the second degree and one count of rape in the first degree.
Fennern was arrested at 8 p.m. on February 1, 2019 in the area of Southeast 103rd Street and Southeast Morrison Avenue in Portland, Oregon.
This investigation started on January 25, 2019 when Portland Police responded to the area of Southeast 93rd Avenue and Southeast Madison Street after learning that a man had approached a delivery driver and reported that he had been attacked.
According to the probable cause affidavit, law enforcement contacted the man who reported that he and his girlfriend were kidnapped, tied up and had duct tape placed over their mouths.
The man told police that he was stabbed in the throat. Both individuals reported that the female victim was raped. Fennern allegedly told the victims that if they called police, he would kill them, according to court documents.
Both victims described there being two male suspects and a female suspect.
Law enforcement learned that some of the alleged conduct, including the rape and assaults, occurred inside a tent that was located in the area of Southeast 93rd Avenue and Southeast Salmon Street, the affidavit states.
Both victims were able to escape the tent where the alleged kidnapping and assaults took place, according to court records.
A copy of the probable cause affidavit and charging document can be obtained using the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system under case number 19CR08419. The defendant’s next court date is scheduled for February 13, 2019.
This case remains an ongoing criminal investigation and as such, no additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. The defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 5, 2019
Bryan William Lewis sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing a child
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 38-year-old Bryan William Lewis received a 20 year prison sentence for sexually abusing a nine-year-old girl.
“This sexual abuse had an enormous impact on this child,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Todd Jackson, who prosecuted this case, said after sentencing. “The victim continues to have nightmares and will endure lasting emotional trauma because of Bryan Lewis. Children should never have to go through something like this. The victim in this case was very courageous throughout this investigation, as she testified before the grand jury, and faced the prospect of a public trial in which she would have to describe the terrible things that the defendant did to her.”
On December 3, 2018, Lewis appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Eric J. Bloch and pleaded no contest to four counts of sodomy in the first degree, four counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree and two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. The sentencing hearing for this case was held on February 4, 2019 before Judge Bloch.
This investigation started in late November 2017 when officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau responded to a residence in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood of Southeast Portland. The family of the nine-year-old girl raised concerns after noticing their child exhibiting abnormal behavior. The family spoke with the child and asked her if anyone had inappropriately touched her. After an initial disclosure, the child was brought to CARES Northwest for a full examination and forensic interview.
“This case highlights the importance of recognizing your child’s behavioral changes and having age-appropriate conversations with them about inappropriate touching,” DDA Jackson said. “Children should always know that it’s safe to report this kind of behavior.”
Law enforcement determined that the person responsible for the unlawful sexual contact was the defendant. Although Lewis is known to the victim and her family, he is not a relative. Law enforcement learned that he used to babysit the victim. The abuse occurred on multiple occasions at various locations throughout Multnomah County.
During the investigation law enforcement learned that Lewis threatened to tell the victim’s family that she was misbehaving if she disclosed the sexual abuse. When Lewis was arrested, his phone was seized as evidence. Law enforcement later searched his phone and found numerous files containing child pornography that appeared to have been downloaded from the internet.
The victim and her family supported the pre-trial offer and wanted to resolve the case through a carefully negotiated settlement.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the work of the Portland Police Bureau and CARES Northwest, Multnomah County’s child abuse assessment center, for their dedicated efforts on this case.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
Raji Afife Azar found guilty of running a LEGO fencing operation
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that on January 31, 2019, a jury found 41-year-old Raji Afife Azar guilty of running an operation to buy stolen merchandise, including multiple LEGO products.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 15, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Kenneth R. Walker.
During the two day trial, the state presented evidence that proved Azar was acting as a “fence,” somebody who buys stolen merchandise from thieves.
"This was, relatively speaking, a sophisticated fencing operation,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Sean Hughey, who prosecuted this case, said during opening statements.
The jury found Azar guilty of one count of laundering a monetary instrument, one count of criminal conspiracy to commit theft in the first degree, three counts of computer crime, and seven counts of attempted theft in the first degree.
During trial, the state presented evidence to show that Azar ran his online fencing operation between January and April 2018 in Multnomah County. The investigation started in early 2018 when the Fred Meyer Organized Retail Theft Unit received information about someone, later identified as Azar, who was willing to routinely buy stolen merchandise.
Fred Meyer launched an undercover investigation during which, Azar gave the undercover agents, and an undercover Portland Police Bureau detective, “outright advice” on how to be a better thief, DDA Hughey told the jury.
According to Portland Police, during the investigation, the Fred Meyer Organized Retail Theft Unit worked with the Northwest Organized Retail Crime Alliance (NWORCA) and learned that Azar had solicited multiple people to steal from various businesses throughout the area.
Evidence presented at trial showed Azar was able “to buy stolen merchandise from thieves for about 30 cents on the dollar, turn around and then leverage technology by selling it to complete strangers over eBay where they would never know that this might be stolen property,” DDA Hughey told the jury.
Azar was taken into custody on April 26, 2018 in the 10300 block of Southeast Washington Street in Portland, Oregon. Once in custody, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in the 2000 block of Southeast 102nd Avenue. During the court-authorized search, investigators located a large quantity of stolen LEGO products and other stolen merchandise. Investigators estimated, at the time, the value of the stolen LEGO products and other items taken from local Fred Meyer stores to be approximately $50,000, according to Portland Police.
The jury acquitted Azar of one count of felony computer crime.
Additional details about this case may be released after the defendant’s sentencing hearing.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 31, 2019
Casey Allen Christianson sentenced to 20 years in prison after kidnapping, assaulting his former girlfriend
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that on January 30, 2019, 45-year-old Casey Allen Christianson received a 20 year prison sentence for kidnapping and brutally assaulting his former girlfriend to the point where she was described as “unrecognizable.”
Christianson appeared before Multnomah County Chief Criminal Judge Cheryl A. Albrecht and pleaded guilty to three counts of assault in the second degree constituting domestic violence, one count of kidnapping in the first degree and one count of coercion.
“What he has done is unimaginable and unforgettable. What Casey did to me was not an accident,” the victim said in court. “I am reminded of what he did to me when I look in the mirror and see the metal plate swollen under my eye where he broke the bones. My mouth is missing teeth and filled with pain. There are scars from the holes on my side where my ribs were broken and where my lung was punctured. The scar near my heart runs down the length of my chest. Under the scar is another metal plate that my body is rejecting. It will be one of the many more surgeries I will have. I still have silent seizures, stutters, short-term memory issues, and PTSD. The other day, I instinctively stuck my face in a bouquet of roses and as I took a deep breath, I was reminded of how I lost my sense of smell. I don’t know what my dad smells like anymore when I give him a hug.”
“[Casey Allen Christianson] violently, and without remorse, beat her systematically for days,” a close friend of the victim said in an impact statement read to the court. “He is a predator. His past shows a pattern of this violent behavior to other women, and he will do it again.”
“The resiliency and courage of this young woman is remarkable. She refused to let this evil attack destroy her. She stands tall each day, and is a symbol of hope,” Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Traci Anderson, who prosecuted this case, said after sentencing.
This investigation started on June 28, 2017 when law enforcement in Vancouver, Washington learned that an adult female had been admitted into an emergency room with significant bodily injuries. Based on the tremendous level of trauma, the victim was transported by ambulance to a Level I trauma center in Portland, Oregon.
Doctors determined the victim suffered a collapsed lung, multiple broken ribs, a fractured sternum, multiple facial fractures and extreme neck and head trauma. As a result of the severe and prolonged assault, the victim suffered permanent brain damage.
Law enforcement determined the kidnapping and assaults occurred in Southeast Portland. The Portland Police Bureau’s Family Services Division launched a criminal investigation and determined that the victim had been held captive for approximately four days by Christianson at a motel in the 7700 block of Southeast 82nd Avenue.
Law enforcement learned that Christianson had been verbally and physically abusive to the victim in the past, and that in the days leading up to the kidnapping and assaults, their relationship had deteriorated.
The victim told law enforcement she believed Christianson had taken her to the motel to kill her. Law enforcement believe the kidnapping was only interrupted because a family member of the victim called her cellphone by inadvertently using the video chat feature. Christianson answered the call, which gave the caller a glimpse at the victim’s extensive injuries.
Christianson concocted a story and claimed the victim had been physically assaulted by unknown assailants.
“I was the first person to witness my severely disfigured sister… I could hear wheezing and gargling. It was coming from [my sister]. I thought my sister was dead,” the victim’s brother said in an impact statement read to the court. “[My sister] was broken. Her outgoing personality has changed. She is scared of everything and has been on massive amounts of pharmaceuticals to help with the pain, the anxiety, the depression and the fear.”
During the investigation, law enforcement obtained multiple jail telephone call recordings in which Christianson confessed to the attacks. In these conversations, Christianson described the kidnapping and assaults as “heinous,” and characterized the beatings as the “worst” he has ever given someone.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned Christianson has a lengthy criminal history including multiple prior arrests and convictions for domestic violence assault, kidnapping, tampering with a witnesses, harassment and violating a protective order.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to recognize the Portland Police Bureau, the Vancouver Police Department, the Longview Police Department, the Washington Department of Corrections, the victim advocates and the staff at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center and Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for their dedicated efforts working on this case.
This case was litigated by Domestic Violence Unit within the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
If you would like to speak with someone about domestic violence prosecution, safety planning or other resources please contact the Victim Assistance Program for the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at 503.988.3222.
Resources:
- Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office: Victims’ Rights Guide
- Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office: Thinking About Safety Planning
- Multnomah County Family Violence Coordinating Council: Domestic Violence Resource | Phone Numbers
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 30, 2019
Grand jury returns seven-count indictment against Reza Chehrazi Mardani
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 64-year-old Reza Chehrazi Mardani was arraigned on a seven-count indictment.
The indictment, which was filed on January 29, 2019, charges Mardani with one count of murder with a firearm, one count of attempted aggravated murder with a firearm, one count of assault in the first degree with a firearm, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm, one count of aggravated animal abuse in the first degree with a firearm and one count of animal abuse in the first degree.
It is alleged in court documents that Mardani, on or about January 17, 2019, in Multnomah County, did unlawfully and intentionally cause the death of George Michael Atkeson and attempted to cause the death of Darlene Marie Kelley. Furthermore, it is alleged that Mardani, using a firearm, unlawfully and maliciously killed a dog named Mai Tai.
The defendant waived his right to a probable cause hearing. As such, there is no probable cause affidavit.
As previously stated by the Portland Police Bureau, this investigation started on January 17, 2019 when officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau responded to the report of gunfire at a residence in the 5300 block of Northeast 74th Avenue. Officers and medical personnel arrived in the area and located Mr. Atkeson deceased and Ms. Kelley injured.
An autopsy performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office determined Mr. Atkeson died of homicidal violence.
A copy of the indictment can be obtained using the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system under case number 19CR04482. The defendant’s next court date is scheduled for March 7, 2019.
This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero.
This remains an ongoing investigation and no additional details will be released.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. The defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 30, 2019
Secret indictment against Stacy Lee Curtiss unsealed in Multnomah County Circuit Court
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that a 25-count secret indictment against 33-year-old Stacy Lee Curtiss was unsealed in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
The indictment, which was filed on January 25, 2019, charges Curtiss with 10 counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree, 14 counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the second degree and one count of encouraging the sexual assault of an animal.
It is alleged in court documents that between September 2017 and June 2018, the defendant was unlawfully and knowingly in possession of and developed, duplicated and/or disseminated multiple visual recordings of sexually explicit conduct involving a child and disregarded the fact that the images involved child abuse. Furthermore, it is alleged that Curtis unlawfully and knowingly, and for the purpose of satisfying sexual desires, was in possession of a visual recording of a person engaged in sexual conduct with an animal.
During this investigation, law enforcement learned that the defendant was employed as a babysitter in Multnomah County.
On January 30, 2019, the defendant appeared in Multnomah County Circuit Court and was arraigned on the indictment. The next court date is scheduled for March 12, 2019.
At this time, detectives assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit continue to investigate this matter. Anyone with information on Curtiss is asked to call 503.823.0400.
This remains ongoing investigation and as such, no additional information shall be released by the District Attorney’s Office.
A copy of the indictment can be obtained using the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system under case number 19CR06087.
This case is being prosecuted by Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney BJ Park.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. The defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 28, 2019
Anthony Stone pleads guilty to kidnapping, shooting a woman in Southeast Portland
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 44-year-old Anthony Stone received a 13 year and nine month prison sentence for kidnapping and shooting a woman in 2016.
Stone appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Michael A. Greenlick on January 28, 2019 – the same day his two week trial was scheduled to start – and pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping in the first degree with a firearm, one count of coercion with a firearm, one count of assault in the third degree with a firearm and two counts each of unlawful use of a weapon.
“The State only agreed to this carefully negotiated pre-trial resolution after having extensive conversations with the victim to consider her wishes,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney BJ Park, who prosecuted this case. “Although this plea agreement does not include Mr. Stone pleading guilty to any of the alleged sex offenses, the State believes the victim, and we believe that they occurred. We recognize the trauma the victim experienced, and continues to experience, because of this violent event. Proceeding to trial would have compounded that trauma. This resolution will allow the victim to continue to heal while it simultaneously holds Mr. Stone accountable.”
This investigation started on July 1, 2016 when emergency dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call about a stranger-on-stranger kidnapping.
Law enforcement learned that a woman and her friend were walking in the area of Southeast 88th Avenue and Southeast Lafayette Street in Portland, Oregon at approximately 2:30 a.m. after picking up some food. The victim’s friend told police that as they were walking, a male subject, later identified as Stone, exited a Dodge Charger. Stone was in possession of a loaded firearm.
Stone confronted the victim at gunpoint, told her friend to keep walking and then ordered the victim to get inside his vehicle. The victim told police that she was taken to a secluded parking lot where the defendant attempted to sexually assault her.
Patrol officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau responded to the area of the reported kidnapping and started looking for the Dodge Charger. Officers observed a vehicle traveling at excessive speeds in the area of Southeast 92nd Avenue and Southeast Holgate. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but it sped off westbound on Southeast Holgate.
The victim told police that Stone, while still holding her captive, drove over a speed bump at a high rate of speed. This caused the firearm that Stone was in possession of to discharge. A single round struck the victim in her lower body.
The victim told police that Stone stopped the vehicle, apologized and then let the victim out of the vehicle.
At approximately 4 a.m., emergency dispatchers received information that a woman had been shot in the area of Southeast 43rd Avenue and Southeast Woodward Street. Officers responded and located a 41-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her lower body. Officers confirmed that the gunshot victim was the same person who had been kidnapped from Southeast 88th Avenue.
While law enforcement continued to investigate the kidnapping, emergency dispatchers received information of a traffic crash that was blocking the westbound lanes of the Hawthorne Bridge. Witnesses reported that the driver of a Dodge Charger fired approximately five rounds at his vehicle and then ran away. Detectives were able to locate video taken from a dash camera of a bystander’s vehicle that captured parts of this incident.
Law enforcement was quickly able to identify Stone as a person of interest in this case using the rental agreement associated with the Dodge Charger.
Stone was able to evade capture and fled the state for several months. He turned himself into law enforcement in December 2017 and was eventually transported back to Oregon by a United State Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the work of the Portland Police Bureau patrol officers who responded to the three separate crimes scene, the officers assigned to the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) who responded to downtown looking for Stone, the numerous detectives assigned to the PPB Homicide Detail who investigated this case and the out-of-state law enforcement agencies who helped transport Stone back to Multnomah County.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 24, 2019
Prolific car thief receives a four year prison sentence
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 42-year-old James Steven Pasley received a four year prison sentence following a two-day jury trial.
On January 23, 2019, a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on one count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle. The same jury found that Pasley was persistently involved with similar acts.
According to court records, Pasley has 21 prior felony convictions and 11 prior misdemeanor convictions. Eight of the prior felony convictions are for stealing a motor vehicle.
This investigation started on April 29, 2018 when a woman reported her 1996 Nissan Sentra had been stolen. The woman testified during trial that she had parked her vehicle on April 27, 2018 in the 4800 block of Northeast Flanders Street in Portland, Oregon. The victim explained she did not realize her vehicle had been unlawfully taken until April 29. She testified to the certainty of her vehicle being locked and that she had not given anyone a set of keys or permission to use her vehicle.
On May 1, 2018, an officer assigned to the Portland Police Bureau was on routine patrol in the area of Southeast 112th Avenue and Southeast Clinton Street when Pasley ran a stop sign, which nearly caused the officer to T-bone the vehicle the defendant was operating.
The officer testified that he ran the license plate on the vehicle involved in the near collision and learned that it was reported stolen. The officer turned his patrol vehicle around in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The officer eventually located Pasley on foot leaving an apartment complex parking lot in the 2500 block of Southeast 115th Avenue.
When the defendant was taken into custody, police recovered a flathead screwdriver and a set of four jiggle keys in his pocket. The jiggle keys the defendant was in possession of were all for different car models.
“Car thieves like James Pasley are notorious for using screwdrivers or jiggle keys to unlock doors and trick ignitions into starting,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Michael Lee, who prosecuted this case. “All four jiggle keys in this case had varying degrees of spiral twists to them. This is an indication that the keys were being used in keyholes that they were not designed for, and that a considerable amount of force was being applied in order to defeat the lock.”
Officers were successful in starting the victim’s vehicle with the screwdriver recovered from the defendant at the time of his arrest.
“The victim testified that her vehicle’s ignition was not damaged prior to the theft, and that after police recovered her car she could not get her original key inside the ignition,” DDA Lee said. “This case highlights the struggles victims of stolen cars can experience. In many cases, once a car is stolen, the thief will cause significant damage to the vehicle’s ignition in an attempt to get it started. Getting the parts replaced is extremely costly and in some cases cost prohibitive for the victim. In this case, the car’s owner had to drive her car using a separate screwdriver because of the damage caused by the defendant.”
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office continues to prioritize the prosecution of stolen vehicles despite recent change in Oregon case law. The District Attorney’s Office regularly meets with law enforcement to conduct ongoing training surrounding stolen vehicle investigations and current case law.
While in custody, Pasley will receive drug treatment. Upon his release, he will be on one year of post-prison supervision.
The District Attorney’s Office encourages the use of vehicle immobilizers and steering wheel locks.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 24, 2019
Freddy Velasquez-Soto receives five year prison sentence for threatening violence against DHS caseworkers
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 51-year-old Freddy Velasquez-Soto received a five year prison sentence following a jury’s verdict last month finding him guilty of two counts each of unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, and obstructing governmental administration.
“Freddy Velasquez-Soto has an extensive criminal history of committing violent crimes, which stretches back more than three decades,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Chuck Mickley who prosecuted this case. “This is an appropriate sentence given the defendant’s violent record. He has multiple prior convictions for both threatening and assaulting people with knives, which demonstrates he is capable and willing to carry out those threats.”
During the two day trial, which was held in December 2018, the state presented evidence that showed two Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) caseworkers met with the defendant on August 14, 2017 for a pre-arranged home visit to discuss safety planning for the defendant’s child. During the meeting, Velasquez-Soto, 51, became aggressive with the two DHS caseworkers and threatened to kill them and anyone who attempted to interfere with his child.
The jury heard testimony from the DHS caseworkers who reported that as they were leaving the residence, located in the 500 block of Southeast Morrison Street in Portland, Oregon, Velasquez-Soto confronted one of them “chest to chest” and threatened to cut the victim’s face and made statements to kill him. During that moment, one of the DHS workers saw the defendant reach into his pocket and pull out what appeared to be a knife.
The two DHS caseworkers called 9-1-1 and fled the residence from a second story window using a fire escape where they hid from the defendant until law enforcement arrived, according to testimony presented at trial.
A detective assigned to the case obtained surveillance video, which was presented at trial, which captured some of the events described by the DHS caseworkers.
This case was litigated by the Multnomah County Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team, which includes representatives from local law enforcement, public schools, hospitals, courts, health departments, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Oregon Department of Employment Child Care Division.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team is responsible for reviewing and coordinating all child abuse and neglect cases in Multnomah County. The team also handles all child homicides, felony child physical abuse cases, felony child abandonment cases, custodial interference cases, and felony sex crimes where the victim is currently under the age of 18 and where the perpetrator is determined not to be a stranger to the child.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 22, 2019
Reza Chehrazi Mardani charged with murder, attempted aggravated murder
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 64-year-old Reza Chehrazi Mardani made his first court appearance in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
Mardani is charged with murder, attempted aggravated murder and unlawful use of a weapon.
The charging document alleges that the defendant, on or about January 17, 2019, in Multnomah County, did unlawfully and intentionally cause the death of George Michael Atkeson and attempted to cause the death of Darlene Marie Kelley.
The defendant waived his right to a probable cause hearing. As such, there is no probable cause affidavit.
As previously stated by the Portland Police Bureau, this investigation started on January 17, 2019 when officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau responded to the report of gunfire at a residence in the 5300 block of Northeast 74th Avenue. Officers and medical personnel arrived in the area and located Mr. Atkeson deceased and Ms. Kelley injured.
An autopsy performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office determined Mr. Atkeson died of homicidal violence.
A copy of the charging document can be obtained using the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system under case number 19CR04482.
The defendant’s next court date is set for January 30, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at the Justice Center, Courtroom #3. A bail hearing has not been scheduled.
This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero.
This remains an ongoing investigation and no additional details will be released.
A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 22, 2019
Christopher Alexander Williamson, 28, charged with the murder of Nancy Bergeson
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 28-year-old Christopher Alexander Williamson made his first court appearance in Multnomah County Circuit Court on a single count of murder.
The charging document alleges that the defendant, on or about November 24, 2009, in Multnomah County, did unlawfully and intentionally cause the death of Nancy Bergeson.
The defendant waived his right to a probable cause hearing. As such, there is no probable cause affidavit.
As previously stated by the Portland Police Bureau, this investigation started on November 24, 2009 at approximately 3 p.m., when Ms. Bergeson was found deceased in her home at 4146 Southwest Hamilton Street in Portland, Oregon.
An autopsy performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office determined Ms. Bergeson died of homicidal violence.
A copy of the charging document can be obtained using the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system under case number 19CR04638.
The defendant’s next court date is set for January 30, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at the Justice Center, Courtroom #3. A bail hearing has not been scheduled.
This case is being prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Don Rees and Deputy District Attorney Todd Jackson.
This remains an ongoing investigation and no additional details will be released.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Portland Police Bureau Homicide Detail at 503-823-0479.
A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us