November 21, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Jason Robert Steiner, 34, was arraigned on murder, attempted murder, and unlawful use of a weapon charges stemming from the October shooting at La Mota dispensary in North Portland.
Case Facts
Details of the case can be found in the Affidavit of Probable Cause.
Today, Steiner was arraigned in front of Judge Shelley Russell on the following charges:
He pleaded not guilty on all counts. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and Steiner is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
November 20, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Eric Douglas Alexander, 42, was arraigned on attempted murder, arson, stalking, and endangerment charges stemming from the prolonged harassment of a former intimate partner and the arson of the home of her employers.
Case Facts
In mid-October 2024, a friend of Alexander reported his extremely concerning threats towards a prior partner online to law enforcement. The previous partner recently moved to Portland from out of state and reported Alexander followed her to Oregon. Alexander posted on various social media platforms threatening extreme violence towards her, those around her, and women in general. Alexander continued to threaten and harass her even after she ceased communication.
On November 7, 2024, shortly after midnight, Portland Police Bureau officers were dispatched to the residence of the victim’s employer home on a report of a house fire. There were two adults and two children asleep when the fire began. All were able to safely escape the home. Following an arson investigation, it was determined the fire had been intentionally set. Later that morning, Alexander sent an email taking credit for the fire and warned the violence would not stop.
Today, Wednesday November 20, 2024, Alexander was arraigned in front of Judge Steffan Alexander on the following charges:
He pleaded not guilty on all counts. An Indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and Alexander is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Special thanks to PPB SVU Officer Huntley Miller and PPB Lieutenant Jason Andersen for their work on the investigation.
#MCDA#
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that William Sanchez Stevenson, 27, was sentenced to 90 months in prison after pleading guilty on charges related to the trafficking of controlled substances, primarily fentanyl.
Case Facts
Between June 2022 and January 2024, police caught Stevenson numerous times engaged in the sale and commercial possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Despite being under pre-trial release conditions after being released by the court, initially on his own recognizance and later after posting bail, Stevenson persisted in selling fentanyl downtown Portland.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Eric Pickard represented the state in this case. On September 27, 2024, Stevenson entered guilty pleas on the following charges:
On November 4, 2024, Stevenson was sentenced by Judge Andrew Lavin to 90 months in prison to be followed by 36 months of post-prison supervision. Stevenson had no prior convictions. He has been transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections, where he will remain for the duration of his sentence.
The dissemination of dangerous drugs into our communities is a serious and pervasive issue. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of all who contributed to the resolution of this case, and add a special note of appreciation to Portland Police Bureau Officer Eli Arnold.
#MCDA#
November 8, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Randy Craig Sturdevant, 43, was sentenced by a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge to 25 months of prison in relation to an August 2021 assault on a Tri-Met bus.
Case Facts
On August 20, 2021, a man on board a Tri-Met bus punched another passenger who was seated with her granddaughter, then began yelling at the victim and reaching for the child. The victim covered the child with her body to prevent the defendant from taking her. When the driver stopped the bus due to the disruption, the defendant got off and left the area. Tri-Met authorities shared a photo of the man with local law enforcement, who recognized and were able to positively identify him as Randy Sturdevant. On August 25, 2021, Transit Police detectives working on this case became aware that Sturdevant was in a nearby hospital, where they found him still wearing the same clothing as on the day of the incident.
Trial and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorneys Julian Samuels and Theresa Turner represented the state in this case. The trial, which took place earlier this month, concluded on October 17, 2024, when a 12-person jury returned a guilty verdict on felony assault four and two counts of interfering with public transportation. Today, Sturdevant was sentenced in front of Judge Angela Lucero to 25 months in prison. He has been transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections, where he will remain for the duration of his sentence.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes that this was a highly concerning incident and would like to express our appreciation for all who contributed to the resolution of this case. A special thank you to then-Transit Police Detective and now MCSO Captain Lance Hemsworth, Probation Officer Molly Seel, and MCDA Victim Advocate Alex Bidwell.
#MCDA#
November 6, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Christopher Norwood Young, 35, was sentenced to 81 months in prison after pleading guilty on charges related to operating a chop shop, which was discovered during a multi-agency Stolen Vehicle Operation.
Case Facts
In May 2023, officers from PPB’s Stolen Vehicle Operation attempted to stop a vehicle displaying a fraudulent trip permit. The driver refused to stop and fled the scene but was later located in the 16600 Block of Northeast Wasco Street, in Gresham. During the initial investigation of the scene, multiple other vehicles that were either confirmed or suspected to be stolen were discovered. There were tools for disassembling vehicles and altering VIN numbers found at the location, and upon the execution of a warrant, seven additional confirmed stolen vehicles and several other suspected stolen vehicles were recovered. The operation also yielded the seizure of six firearms and two homemade suppressors.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm represented the state in this case. Over the course of several months, a plea was negotiated that resulted in Young pleading guilty to 14 counts with which he had been charged, resolving three criminal cases: 23CR23687, 24CR15291, and 23CR28078. Young ultimately pled guilty to the following.
The resolution of this case is a prime example of the effective multi-agency collaboration of the Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF). Our office remains committed to the use of the ATTF’s evidence-based, data-driven practices and we would like to express our appreciation for all who played a part. A special note of appreciation to Portland Police Bureau’s Stolen Vehicle Operation, PPB Detective Jordan Zaitz, Gresham Police Department, and Port of Portland Police, who all contributed to the resolution of these cases.
*Original Message (4/1/2024)*
Christopher Young Indicted on Auto Theft Charges
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a grand jury indicted Christopher Norwood Young, 35, on four charges related to auto theft. Young was identified as a person of interest by the DA’s Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF) after he was arrested during a May 2023 Stolen Vehicle Operation.
Case Facts
On March 23, 2024, the ATTF issued a BOLO flyer to law enforcement regarding Young and his possession of a possible stolen vehicle. An officer with the Gresham Police Department (GPD) who received the flyer located the suspect vehicle that same day and determined that it was, more likely than not, stolen. The officer arrested and booked Young at the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges related to the stolen vehicle; he was transferred to custody in Clackamas County on pending DV-related charges out of Molalla.
Indictment
Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm is the lead for the ATTF. Upon review of the evidence, DDA Linderholm presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on March 29, 2024. Young was indicted on the following charges:
Young also has two open cases in Multnomah County where he is facing 52 charges, including auto theft, identity theft, reckless endangerment, and firearms-related charges. In addition, he faces four DV-related charges out of Clackamas County. He is currently in custody in Clackamas County.
The DA’s Office would like to thank the officers with the Portland Police Bureau, GPD, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and Molalla Police Department who have assisted with this case.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Young is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
November 6, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Levi Denison, 30, was sentenced yesterday by a Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge to 120 months prison in relation to numerous incidents across seven cases occurring between 2022 and 2024.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Anthony Dundon and Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm represented the State in these matters. A global resolution was negotiated over the course of months, and on September 27, 2024, Denison entered pleas of guilty to resolve various pending criminal cases against him.
Collectively, Denison pleaded guilty to charges of:
Yesterday, the Honorable Judge Skye sentenced Denison to 120 months prison in the Oregon Dept. of Corrections, pursuant to the plea negotiations. Denison will be subject to 3 years of post-prison supervision upon release.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the effect of such offending on both individuals and businesses and would like to express our sincere appreciation for all who contributed to the resolution of these cases. Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office wishes to extend a special acknowledgment to the detectives and patrol officers of the Port of Portland Police, Portland Police Bureau, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and our partners in Federal law enforcement.
*Original Message (10/6/23)*
Grand Jury Indicts Two Car Thieves on Multiple Charges from East Portland and Portland Airport
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced multiple recent grand jury indictments stemming from stolen car activity in East Portland and near the Portland International Airport. The District Attorney’s Office worked with the Portland Police Bureau and the Port of Portland Police on issuing charges against two individuals for multiple counts of criminal behavior: Jessie Garza III, 30, and Levi Mitchell Denison, 29. A summary of the relevant cases, which are being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Tony Dundon, are as follows.
Defendant Jessie Garza
Indictment 1
On June 19, 2023, a Port of Portland police officer responded to the Portland Airport Rental Car Center to meet a couple who reported their car, an Audi, was stolen from the long-term parking garage. CCTV footage revealed that someone had taken their car and crashed through the tollgate without stopping to exit the garage. The same footage showed another vehicle with no front plate approach the gate just prior to the crash. The driver, later identified as Garza, preemptively ducked his face down and paid for parking.
On July 11, the owner of the stolen Audi contacted Port of Portland Police and reported that he had received a ticket for a photo radar speeding violation on June 18. Five photographs showed the driver of the vehicle to be Jessie Garza. The speeding event occurred approximately six hours after the theft and breaking through of the toll gate at PDX.
On July 18, PPB Officers notified Port of Portland Police that Garza was at the PPB East Precinct. Port of Portland police arrived and interviewed Garza, who admitted to stealing cars and using methamphetamine. Garza was booked into custody. In between the initial report of the stolen Audi and Garza’s arrest on July 18, law enforcement determined that he had stolen multiple other vehicles.
The case was presented to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on August 29 for the following charges:
Indictment 2
On July 18, 2023, PPB spoke with a Free2Move fleet regarding tracking of stolen vehicles from the Free2Move fleet (Free2Move is a commercial ride sharing business). An officer was alerted that a listed stolen vehicle was tracking at 2346-2404 SE 162nd. Officers responded to 162nd and Division and observed a Jeep with plates matching the stolen vehicle’s plates; an outline of the Free2Move stickers was visible on the vehicle but they had been removed. Officers observed movement inside the vehicle and discovered Jessie Garza sitting in the driver's seat. Officers noted that the driver's window was broken out and there was glass on the driver's side floorboard. They also discovered a set of brass knuckles in Garza’s pocket and a handgun, a cut-down shotgun, and methamphetamine in the car; they later found a set of jiggle keys in his property.
The case was presented to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on August 9 for the following charges:
Defendant Levi Denison
Indictment 1
On August 15, 2023, PPB received a call from POPPD advising of a reported white Audi having been stolen from a driveway while the owner was out of town. PPB officers spoke with the owner of the Audi by phone, who reported that the vehicle was stolen on August 12 and who shared Ring camera video with the officer. The video showed a black Audi pull into the driveway, a man get out of the driver’s seat, smash the window of the victim’s white Audi, and drive away in it. A female then got out of the rear passenger seat of the black Audi, went into the driver’s seat, and drove away. Officers recognized the suspect as Levi Denison. On reports that the vehicle was located, officers responded to SE 102nd and Martins Street, where they found the white Audi. Denison was arrested the same day and booked into custody.
The case was presented to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on August 24 for the following charges:
Indictment 2
On July 5, 2023, PPB responded to RTS Motors regarding a stolen 2011 Silver Ford F150 Raptor Pickup Truck. Roman indicated that on July 3, an individual test-drove and never returned the truck; Roman provided security footage. When running the Oregon Driver’s License number the individual gave in order to test-drive the truck, it came back “unable to locate,” and the name on the ID came back to a different person. A dragnet flyer was generated and two PPB officers recognized the suspect as Levi Denison from prior contacts and knowledge. The truck was recovered unoccupied at 2608 NE 68th Avenue.
At the same time that Denison was being interviewed for the August 12th stolen Audi case, officers questioned him about this case. Denison denied involvement.
The case was presented to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on August 24 for the following charges:
Denison is currently in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center.
A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime. Both Garza and Denison are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
October 31, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Colby Dion Benson, 40, was sentenced yesterday by a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
Case Facts
On September 11, 2020, Portland Police Bureau officers responded to a reported shooting at the intersection of East Burnside and 122nd Avenue in East Portland’s Hazelwood neighborhood. The victim, 29 year-old Christopher Klein, had been shot several times, and when law enforcement arrived, witnesses to the shooting were attempting to render him aid. Despite the efforts of witnesses and first responders, Klein died of his injuries at the scene. The investigation indicated that the shooter had approached Klein’s vehicle at the intersection before firing multiple rounds into the car. Surveillance video from a nearby apartment complex, gas station, and Trimet showed a man, identified as Colby Benson, leaving Klein’s residence, walking towards the car, and firing rounds at the victim in his car. It was determined that Benson knew Klein and had been hanging out with the victim on the day of the murder.
Trial and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorneys Sam Wilton and Sean Hughey represented the state in this case. The trial took place between October 15th and 29th, when a 12-person jury returned a guilty verdict on charges of Murder in the Second Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Yesterday, October 30, 2024, Benson was sentenced in front of Judge David Rees to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. He has been transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections, where he will remain for the duration of his sentence.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the impact of each and every homicide on the community and would like to express our appreciation for all who contributed to the resolution of this case. A special thank you to PPB detective Brad Clifton as well as MCDA Investigators Anthony Merrill, Kirk Tonkin, Matt Estes, and Victim Advocate Rocio Peguero.
#MCDA#
October 23, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Devin Moore Rose, 32, was sentenced by a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years for the October 2023 shooting death of Justin Graver in Gresham.
Case Facts
On October 7, 2023 Gresham Police dispatched officers to 901 SW Highland Drive in response to a reported shooting. At the scene, Justin Anthony Graver was found lying on the pavement next to his car in the parking lot, and was determined to be deceased from multiple apparent gunshot wounds. 14 shell casings were located on the ground at the scene. Video surveillance footage showed Justin Graver standing outside his vehicle engaged in what appears to be a verbal disagreement with another man when the other individual begins shooting at Graver before driving away in a white SUV.
Later that evening, occupants of a nearby apartment reported that their Ring doorbell had captured a black male leaving a garbage bag containing a gun, white shirt, hat, red shoes, and bottle of bleach on their front porch. Detectives reviewed the video and recognized the subject from previous investigations as Devin Moore Rose. The gun inside the bag was forensically matched to the shell casings left at the scene of the homicide and the clothes in the bag were identical to the ones worn by the shooter in the surveillance video, including the unique all-red high top style shoes. Detectives located the white SUV– which was rented and was able to be traced to a known associate of Rose– abandoned near the apartment complex, and a search of the vehicle revealed Devin Moore Rose's Oregon driver's license and a piece of mail addressed to Rose.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Brian Davidson represented the state in the trial, which took place from September 11-19, 2024. On September 19, Rose was found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm, as well as Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and yesterday, on October 22, 2024, was sentenced to a mandatory life sentence with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Rose has been transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections, where he will remain for the duration of his sentence.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to express our appreciation for all who contributed to the resolution of these cases. A special thank you to GPD Detective Martin Daly, MCDA Investigator Matt Estes, and MCDA Victim Advocate Allison Miller for their dedicated work on this case.
*Original Message (9/19/2024)*
Jury Finds Devin Rose Guilty of Second-Degree Murder in the Death of Justin Graver
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County jury found Devin Rose, 32, guilty of the October 2023 shooting death of Justin Graver in Gresham. A Multnomah County Circuit Court judge additionally returned a guilty finding for Rose on one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm in relation to his use of a firearm in the incident.
Trial & Verdict
The trial took place from September 11-19. Deputy District Attorney Brian Davidson represented the state in this case. A 12-person jury delivered the verdict on Thursday, September 19, 2024 finding Rose guilty on a single count of Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm. Rose, also charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, was found guilty on this count by Judge Christopher Ramras in a trial to the court.
Rose faces a mandatory life sentence with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Rose remains in custody in Multnomah County pending sentencing, which is scheduled for October 18, 2024.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s office would like to acknowledge the hard work of the East County Major Crimes Team on this case, and the Gresham Police Department in particular as lead agency.
#MCDA#