FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
Grand jury indicts Nancy Lee Crampton Brophy with murder with a firearm constituting domestic violence
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced a single count indictment was filed charging Nancy Lee Crampton Brophy, 68, with one count of murder with a firearm constituting domestic violence.
The grand jury returned the true bill on September 13, 2018 and a signed copy of the indictment was filed on September 14, 2018 in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
The indictment alleges that on or about June 2, 2018, in Multnomah County, the defendant “did unlawfully and intentionally cause the death of Daniel Brophy.” It is further alleged in the indictment that during the commission of this felony, Crampton Brophy used and threatened the use of a firearm, a 9 mm pistol.
Crampton Brophy is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on Monday September 17, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. PDT at the Multnomah County Justice Center, Courtroom 3 before Judge Jerry B. Hodson.
Crampton Brophy made her first court appearance on this case September 6, 2018 following her arrest by the Portland Police Bureau at her residence in the 3300 block of Southwest 108th Avenue in Beaverton, Oregon. Prior to her first court appearance, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office petitioned the Court to seal the probable cause affidavit filed in this case.
Due to the ongoing nature of this criminal investigation, the affidavit remains sealed at this time. No additional comments can be made by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
As previously stated by the Portland Police Bureau, this investigation began on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 8:30 a.m., when officers responded to the report of a shooting with one person injured at the Oregon Culinary Institute, located at 1701 Southwest Jefferson Street.
Officers and medical personnel arrived and located Mr. Brophy, 63, inside the building. Life-saving efforts were performed on Mr. Brophy but they were not successful. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office determined Mr. Brophy died of homicidal violence as the result of gunshot injury.
On September 7, 2018, this case was assigned to Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Kenneth J. Walker for all other judicial matters following Crampton Brophy’s arraignment. It is standard practice in Multnomah County for the Presiding Judge to assign homicide and other complex cases to a judge.
Copies of the indictment and any other publically available document filed in this matter can be obtained by searching the Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) system using case number 18CR59251.
Anyone who has knowledge of this incident should contact Detective Darren Posey at 503-823-0403 or ren.Posey@portlandoregon.gov">Darren.Posey@portlandoregon.gov
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
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SEPTEMBER 13, 2018
Grand Jury returns not true bill decision in Portland State University officer involved shooting
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that upon the conclusion of testimony in a two day hearing, a grand jury returned a not true bill regarding the use of force by two Portland State University (PSU) Campus Public Safety officers that resulted in the death of 45-year-old Jason Washington.
The grand jury’s not true bill decision means they have determined no criminal prosecution is warranted, and that the use of deadly force against Mr. Washington by PSU Officer James Dewey and Officer Shawn McKenzie was a lawful act of self-defense and/or defense of a third person, pursuant to Oregon law.
This investigation began on Friday, June 29, 2018, at approximately 1:30 a.m., following the report of an officer-involved shooting involving PSU Campus Public Safety officers. A copy of the information previously released in this case from the Portland Police Bureau can be obtained by clicking here and scrolling to the middle of the webpage.
The grand jurors who reviewed this case are Multnomah County community members. Each grand juror was selected by Multnomah County’s Chief Criminal Judge from the regularly scheduled empaneled grand jury. This is a process set by Oregon’s Constitution.
Like in the past, the grand jury proceedings in this case were recorded. Pursuant to Senate Bill 505, Officer Dewey, Officer McKenzie, or either of their attorneys have 10 days to file a motion with the Court to seek a protective order regarding the release of the grand jury proceedings or a portion of the proceedings.
In accordance to the District Attorney’s Office policy and procedures set forth in SB 505, if a waiver is filed and/or no objection made within that 10 day period, a request will be made, through this Office, to the Multnomah County Circuit Court Presiding Judge to have the grand jury proceedings transcribed and then subsequently released to the public.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office cannot comment any further on this case.
Copies of the Portland Police Bureau’s report on this case can be requested using the City of Portland’s Public Records Request portal. This case is documented under case number PP 18-217191.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
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SEPTEMBER 12, 2018
Cold case homicide results in convictions, prison sentences for two men
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced Ramon Gonzalez, 38, and Luis Gonzalez, 44, pleaded and were convicted of causing the death of Pedro Valenzuela on July 28, 2001. Pedro’s brother, Luis Valenzuela, was also shot during the incident but survived his injuries.
"I want you to know that you took away a father, a son, and an uncle who will never get to see his daughter graduate, have kids, [or] get married,” Vanessa Brown, Pedro Valenzuela’s former girlfriend, said during Ramon Gonzalez’ sentencing hearing. “You took that all away. I want you to feel the pain that I feel. …I hope that God has mercy on you for what you did."
"This is a difficult and somber day,” said Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Nan Waller, who presided over both hearings. "The words and the actions that I do today cannot erase the pain that you have."
On July 31, 2018, Ramon Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count each of manslaughter in the first degree and assault in the first degree. Today, he received a 17 year prison sentence.
Luis Gonzalez pleaded guilty today to one count each of manslaughter in the first degree and assault in the first degree. As stated on the record, Luis Gonzalez will be formally sentenced on September 19, 2018 at 4 p.m before Judge Waller where he will receive a 13 year prison sentence.
Ramon Gonzalez addressed the Court and Mr. Valenzeula’s family during his sentencing. He apologized for his actions and described himself as a “troubled” young man who was gang involved when he shot and killed Mr. Valenzeula.
"There's nothing that I could say that could make this any better,” Ramon Gonzalez said. "It was never my intention to hurt anyone. ...I want to apologize again for the hurt that I've caused your family. "
According to information previously released by the Portland Police Bureau, this investigation started on July 28, 2001, at approximately 11:50 pm, when officers responded to the intersection of Southeast 82nd Avenue and Powell Boulevard on the report of a shooting.
Officers arrived and started talking with witnesses who told police that shots were fired, from another vehicle, into a minivan traveling southbound on SE 82nd and struck the occupants inside. Witnesses reported the shooter was in the vehicle directly behind the minivan.
A short time later, the victims arrived at a nearby hospital where Pedro Valenzuela, 19, was pronounced dead as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during the shooting.
The criminal case was immediately assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail. During the initial investigation, detectives were able to develop leads, but the case went cold. Eventually, the file was turned over to the Portland Police Bureau’s Cold Case Homicide Unit. Detectives assigned to that unit were able to develop leads that resulted in the identification of Ramon Gonzalez and Luis Gonzalez as being responsible for Valenzeula’s death.
"Throughout the negotiations, and with the Court’s assistance, we were able to negotiate an outcome that falls in line with other cases,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Shawn Overstreet, who prosecuted this case. "The State believes that this is the appropriate outcome that holds [the defendants] accountable."
Luis Gonzalez also addressed the Court and Valenzeula’s family and admitted he was the driver of the other vehicle involved in the shooting.
“First of all, I want to ask for forgiveness,” Luis Gonzalez said in court. “I’m here as a new person and I hope this can bring you some justice and comfort.”
Vanessa Brown thanked Luis Gonzalez for coming forward and being willing to speak with detectives about this case.
“I’ve been waiting for this day,” Brown said. “Thank you for bringing closure to our family.”
Ramon Gonzalez and Luis Felipe Gonzalez are not related.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has a close partnership with the Portland Police Bureau Cold Case Homicide Unit Office and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
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SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
Eli Richey charged with violating no contact order against Portland Police Bureau Chief Danielle Outlaw
Today, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office announced 38-year-old Eli Richey turned himself into the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant that charges him with three counts of violating a court’s stalking protective order, a Class A misdemeanor.
The warrant was issued on September 7, 2018 and Richey was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center shortly before 2 a.m. on September 11, 2018.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, on December 22, 2018, the Court entered a permanent Final Stalking Protective Order and Judgement restraining the defendant from all forms of contact with Portland Police Bureau Chief Danielle Outlaw, including coming into the visual or physical presence of her, speaking with her by any means, or filming or posting videos of her.
The affidavit, which was filed under case number 18CR57500, states on August 26, 2018, Chief Outlaw was attending a public event outside Portland City Hall and took a group photo with three other people.
While standing next to the others, she heard a familiar voice say, “you know I gotta ensure police accountability,” according to the affidavit.
Chief Outlaw then recognized that Richey was standing “very close to her and reported that the contact made her feel fearful and angry,” the affidavit states. Chief Outlaw noticed Richey appeared to be filming the interaction because he had some type of recording device in his hand.
The affidavit states that Portland Police were able to obtain a copy of the video that shows Richey directed his camera at Chief Outlaw and recorded her.
Richey appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Christopher J. Marshall on September 11, 2018 at the Multnomah County Justice Center.
A not guilty plea was entered on Richey’s behalf. His next court date is set for October 19, 2018 at 9 a.m.
At the hearing on Tuesday, Judge Marshall ordered Richey be released to Multnomah County’s Pretrial Services Program, if accepted. Bail is set at $7,500.
A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
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SEPTEMBER 7, 2018
Luis Trybom sentenced to 20 years in prison following extensive sex crimes investigation
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced Luis Trybom, 39, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he previously pleaded no contest to felony sex crimes.
At the defendant’s sentencing hearing, which was held on September 7 before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Karin J. Immergut, five separate victim impact statements were read.
The theme of the statements included the physical and mental struggles the survivors endured at the hands of Trybom. They also encouraged other survivors of sexual abuse to find strength when coming forward to hold offenders accountable.
"He is emotionally abusive and is the epitome of a con artist,” one survivor told the court in person. "He is a professional manipulator and was able to weasel his way through the system. …Support groups have been created and public warnings have gone out on this one individual, which proves how many lives he has damaged. The result of his actions continue to be a major burden on me and I've accepted the necessary actions to take in order to heal. The humiliation and insignificance I’ve felt over the years hopefully ends today because I'm finally allowed to be heard.”
Another survivor had her impact statement read onto the record by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office because “…today I am in an operating room delivering anesthesia to patients having open heart surgery in North Carolina.”
She described Trybom as “a danger and a predator on young women. …Out of the sadness, fear, depression, and anxiety, I grew stronger in my ability to protect myself and hopefully protect others against Mr. Trybom. I was taking the control back. No one could make me feel a certain way without my consent, even though other actions by Mr. Trybom had been without just that: consent. I am stronger today as a result of what happened to me, despite feeling weak, powerless, and in danger in the moment.”
A third survivor told the Court she struggles each day thinking about the abuse. Her victim impact statement included, “my ability to focus on the things that are important to me such as school and work has been a constant battle since this happened. …From this experience, I know down the road, eventually, I will grow and learn from [this] and I’ll be able to keep other people from falling into the same footsteps I stumbled into.”
A fourth impact statement remarked on Trybom’s “sick, sexually twisted” ways to trap and manipulate his victims. She told the Court “I was afraid [Mr. Trybom] would physically attack me. …He has taken advantage of others and lied and stolen from others. …He should not be allowed to get away with things he had done by way of lying and manipulation.”
On July 18, 2018, Trybom pleaded no contest to one count of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct and two counts of sexual abuse in the second degree.
“As we heard in court today, Luis Trybom exploited these individuals and left so much damage in his wake,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney BJ Park, who prosecuted this case, remarked after court. “This sentence will hold him accountable and it sends a clear message that the physical and sexual abuse of another person will not be tolerated. We must commend the survivors in this case for coming forward and telling their stories. Their courage to speak up shows their strength and reliance.”
This investigation began in December 2016 when a minor female victim notified a school employee about potential abuse at the hands of Trybom. The school employee notified law enforcement. The case was assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit, which discovered additional police reports involving the defendant. Working with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, detectives were able to locate and identify additional witnesses and victims of Trybom. During the investigation, law enforcement learned Trybom had previously founded a private soccer academy. It is believed he was the sole employee and maintained control of all rosters. At this time, there is no evidence to show any of the victims were associated with the soccer team.
About the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit
The Portland Police Bureau Sex Crimes Unit’s detectives are trauma informed and conduct their investigations with a victim-centered approach, which recognizes that the importance of a survivor’s health can be just as importance as their search for justice. No reports are declined. The Portland Police Bureau is unique among law enforcement agencies with its imbedded Victim Advocates who work to increase the rate of a survivor’s healing, while Detectives focus on investigating elements of the crime.
Although some investigations can be conducted in mere days, some may take many months or even years. While a swift conclusion to cases is desired, the goal of the investigations conducted by Sex Crimes Unit is justice and truth for the survivor.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
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SEPTEMBER 7, 2018
Thomas Oliver receives 30 year prison sentence for sex crimes against numerous females
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced Thomas Oliver, 37, was sentenced to 30 years in prison following an extensive sex crimes investigation that spanned criminal acts ranging from 2007-2016.
“It's taken many long and difficult years to get to this day,” said a survivor of Mr. Oliver’s during her victim impact statement. “In my mind, this sentence is for everyone you have ever hurt whether their names are on a piece of paper or not.”
On September 7, 2018, Oliver appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Eric J. Bergstrom and pleaded and was found guilty of five counts of rape in the first degree, three counts of sodomy in the first degree, two counts of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct and sexual abuse in the first degree and one count each of unlawful sexual penetration in the first degree and attempted rape in the first degree.
The plea agreement encompasses 11 female victims. Some of the victims were acquaintances or friends of Mr. Oliver. Others he met using Backpage.com and on a dating application. During this investigation, the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit identified six underage victims.
“You took things from us that you have no right to take, and now we are taking your freedom from you,” a survivor said. “Your power over us was only temporary. … I don’t call you a monster. I have sympathy for monsters. Monsters are created by nature or circumstance. Yours is not a sickness of mind or body. It's a sickness of character.”
Another survivor reaffirmed during the sentencing hearing that Oliver no longer holds any power over her or others.
“…You were just a bad Tinder date. I rarely thought about you before this and I'll probably forget your exact name in a few years,” she said. “I'm here to say that you going away is the only thing to give me solace.”
Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney JR Ujifusa, who prosecuted this case, thanked the victims who attended and those who were unable to attend court.
“I cannot begin to imagine their journey and all of the things they've gone through,” Ujifusa said. “This sentence does not fully represent the pain, suffering and trauma that Mr. Oliver has caused to these individuals. Unfortunately, no sentence could do that. This sentence does allow for closure, finality and healing. It protects the community and prevents Mr. Oliver from being out in the community for a very long time.”
Oliver will serve a 30 year prison sentence. He will receive credit for time already served. Upon his release from the Oregon Department of Corrections, he will be on 11.5 years of post-prison supervision.
About the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit
The Portland Police Bureau Sex Crimes Unit’s detectives are trauma informed and conduct their investigations with a victim-centered approach, which recognizes that the importance of a survivor’s health can be just as importance as their search for justice. No reports are declined. The Portland Police Bureau is unique among law enforcement agencies with its imbedded Victim Advocates who work to increase the rate of a survivor’s healing, while Detectives focus on investigating elements of the crime.
Although some investigations can be conducted in mere days, some may take many months or even years. While a swift conclusion to cases is desired, the goal of the investigations conducted by Sex Crimes Unit is justice and truth for the survivor.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 6, 2018
Nancy Lee Crampton Brophy charged with murder with a firearm constituting domestic violence
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced 68-year-old Nancy Lee Crampton Brophy made her first court appearance in Multnomah County Circuit Court on a single count of murder with a firearm constituting domestic violence.
On September 5, 2018, at 2p.m., detectives assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail located Ms. Crampton Brophy at her residence in the 3300 block of Southwest 108th Avenue in Beaverton, Oregon and took her into custody. She was subsequently booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.
On September 5, 2018, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Judge John A. Wittmayer reviewed a probable cause affidavit filed in this case. Judge Wittmayer determined there is sufficient probable cause to hold Ms. Crampton Brophy in custody at this time.
Pursuant to a request made by this office, Judge Wittmayer ordered that the affidavit be sealed due to the ongoing investigation.
As previously stated by the Portland Police Bureau, this investigation began on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 8:30 a.m., when officers responded to the report of a shooting with one person injured at the Oregon Culinary Institute, located at 1701 Southwest Jefferson Street.
Officers and medical personnel arrived and located 63-year-old Daniel C. Brophy inside the building. Life-saving efforts were performed on Mr. Brophy but they were not successful. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office determined Mr. Brophy died of homicidal violence as the result of gunshot injury.
Ms. Crampton Brophy appeared before Judge Wittmayer on September 6, 2018 at 2:21 p.m. for her first court appearance.
A copy of the charging instrument can be obtained in OECI using Case No. 18CR59251. The defendant’s next court date is set for September 17, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at the Justice Center, Courtroom #3. A release hearing has not been scheduled.
At this time, because the investigation remains ongoing and because the probable cause affidavit remains sealed, no additional information can be released.
Anyone who has knowledge of this incident should contact Detective Darren Posey at 503-823-0403 or Darren.Posey@portlandoregon.gov
A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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SEPTEMBER 6, 2018
Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Project yields new indictment against 38 year old man
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced a grand jury returned a four count indictment against 38-year-old Ricky Alexander Harrison.
This case is part of the Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Project.
The indictment, which was filed September 5, 2018, alleges one count of sodomy in the first degree, one count of sodomy in the third degree, and two counts of sexual abuse in the second degree. As stated in court documents, the alleged incident occurred on February 3, 2007 in Multnomah County. At the time of the alleged offense, Harrison was 26 years old.
The female victim in this case was 15 years old at the time of the offense, according to the indictment.
On Feb. 15, 2018, the defendant was identified as the perpetrator of this crime on the basis of DNA sample comparison, according to court documents.
The defendant’s last known address was the 2800 block of Northeast 7th Avenue in Portland, Oregon. He remains in custody in King County, Washington on an unrelated matter.
An arraignment date on case number 18CR59141 has not been set.
The victim in this case is requesting complete privacy. Members of the media are asked to not to contact the victim or any member of her family by any means due to the sensitive nature of this case.
Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Project
In 2015, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill, along with the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory collaboratively initiated a project to process thousands of untested Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kits in Multnomah, Marion and Lane counties.
District Attorney Underhill and others quickly identified funding from the New York County District Attorney’s Office (DANY) and worked collectively with the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit after the City of Portland received a grant from U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Grant Program.
DANY awarded the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office a total of $1,995,453 in September 2015. Using those funds, a coordinated effort involving local law enforcement and the Oregon State Police was launched to send SAFE kits, dated 2014 or older from Multnomah, Lane and Marion counties, to a private lab in Utah for testing.
In early 2018, an additional 302 SAFE kits from 13 other Oregon counties were sent to the lab using funds from the DANY grant. In total, nearly 3,000 SAFE kits from Oregon were sent to be tested.
In Oregon, Senate Bill 1571, known as "Melissa's Law," was the Oregon Legislature's response to ensuring all sexual assault kits, except for anonymous kits, are sent to the Oregon State Crime Laboratory for timely testing.
The Portland Police Bureau implemented a full submission policy in February 2015 that mandates every SAFE kit, with the exception of anonymous kits, be sent to the OSP Forensic laboratory.
Results from the kits continue to be investigated and survivors of sexual assaults are being notified through the Rose Project. The PPB Sex Crimes Unit, a victim-centered and trauma-informed detail, encourages those who have had a SAFE kit collected prior to 2015 to contact the oseproject@portlandoregon.gov">roseproject@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0125.
Current Multnomah County SAFE kit criminal cases (as of September 6, 2018)
State of Oregon vs Steven Guy Tubbs - 17CR08640 – Sentenced to 100 months in prison in August 2018
State of Oregon vs Jose Oscar Rosales - 17CR29317 - Sentenced to 210 days in jail, 60 months of PPS
State of Oregon vs Curtis Clint Williams - 17CR37474 – Sentenced to 33 years in prison in July 2018
State of Oregon vs Jihad Eldeen Moore - 18CR13996 - Pending Trial
State of Oregon vs Chanh Van Tran - 18CR25167 - Pending Trial
State of Oregon vs Ricky Alexander Harrison – 18CR59141 – Pending arraignment
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
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AUGUST 31, 2018
Jury convicts Jorge Ismael Beltran in attempted aggravated murder trial
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced a 12-person jury returned a guilty verdict in State of Oregon v. Jorge Ismael Beltran.
This trial began Tuesday August 28, 2018 and was presided over by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Leslie M. Roberts. Jury deliberations started August 30, 2018. The verdict was read approximately 24 hours later.
On February 27, 2018, Beltran, 26, was indicted on three counts of attempted aggravated murder, three counts of attempted murder, three counts of unlawful use of a weapon and one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of assault in the fourth degree.
The jury found the defendant guilty on all counts except for the assault in the fourth degree charge. Additionally, the jury found Beltran is subject to an enhanced penalty for using a firearm during commission of felony.
During the three day trial, the State presented evidence that showed in the late evening hours of October 14, 2017 and into the early morning hours of October 15, 2017, the defendant shot into an occupied residence, specifically a bedroom, in the 2100 block of Southeast 185th Avenue in Gresham, Oregon.
At the time of the incident, the three victims were ages 16, 17 and 18 years old. Testimony offered at trial showed all three were inside watching SpongeBob SquarePants when five rounds were fired from the exterior of the residence by the defendant.
According to court documents previously filed, prior to the shooting, the defendant entered the residence where a physical altercation between he and the 16 year old victim ensued. The two other victims at the residence chased the defendant from the house.
During trial, the State presented evidence to show the defendant, a convicted felon, returned to the residence after the initial physical altercation with a pistol and started shooting into the residence.
The defendant testified during trial.
"He's not there, as he stated, to brandish his firearm in a show of force and do nothing with it,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Nicole Hermann said during closing arguments. “He's not there firing shots into the air. He's there targeting his shots into a home and into a bedroom. … Mr. Beltran went to that house out of pride, for retaliation and to teach them a lesson."
One of the victims testified during trial she recalled a bullet “whizzed by” her head during the shooting.
"Mr. Beltran acted with a conscious objective to take a substantial step towards causing the death of each of those three people,” Hermann said during closing arguments. "We can see him on the video carrying that gun, clearly with the intent to use it.”
This case was investigated by the Gresham Police Department.
Beltran will be sentenced on October 5, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. with Judge Roberts.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
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AUGUST 30, 2018
Joshua Carlson pleads guilty to April 2017 homicide in Southeast Portland
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced 32-year-old Joshua Scott Carlson pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree.
According to court documents previously filed, this investigation started on April 21, 2017 when a police officer assigned to the Portland Police Bureau drove into the parking lot of a motel located in the 3100 block of Southeast Powell Boulevard. The officer checked the license plate of a parked SUV and learned the vehicle was reported as stolen. A second officer with PPB arrived at the motel and began watching the vehicle as the other officer started a criminal investigation. While the officers were on scene, the defendant entered the parked SUV and drove off. A high speed pursuit followed.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned the defendant was associated with one of the motel rooms. Officers entered the motel room. According to court documents, upon entering the motel room, which had been previously registered in the defendant’s name, police located the body of Valerie Johnson. An autopsy determined Ms. Johnson, 42, died as a result of being strangled and determined her death to be a homicide.
During the course of the death investigation, law enforcement was notified that an SUV had been abandoned in the 4000 block of Southeast 51st Avenue, according to court documents. The vehicle matched the description of the SUV involved in the high speed chase that was terminated due to safety concerns. The Portland Police Bureau’s Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) responded and started searching for the driver of the abandoned SUV. The defendant was located hiding on the roof of a nearby residence. He was taken into custody without incident, according to court documents and previously information released by the Portland Police Bureau.
The family of Ms. Johnson appeared at Thursday’s hearing by phone. They are supportive of this case resolution.
Carlson’s sentencing is tentatively scheduled for September 7, 2018 before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Marshall.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
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AUGUST 30, 2018
Grand jury indicts man following reported kidnapping, rape in 2017 in Portland, Oregon
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the unsealing of a secret indictment that accuses a 55-year-old man with numerous sex crimes and kidnapping.
On August 30, 2018, Allen Scott Hernandez appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Leslie G. Bottomly and was arraigned on an eight count indictment that was filed on September 5, 2017. Hernandez’ last known address was in Boise, Idaho.
The indictment charges the defendant with two counts of sodomy in the first degree and one count each of the following charges: unlawful sexual penetration in the first degree, rape in the first degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, kidnapping in the first degree, assault in the second degree and unlawful use of a weapon.
The indictment alleges on or about July 23, 2017, while in Multnomah County, the defendant kidnapped the victim for the purpose of causing physical injury and took her from one location to another without her consent. The defendant is also accused of using a knife to inflict physical injury upon the victim. Furthermore, the indictment alleges Hernandez forcibly raped the woman and committed other violent sex acts against her.
At the defendant’s arraignment, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. A criminal defense attorney was also appointed.
The defendant’s next court date is scheduled for September 21, 2018.
The Victim Assistance Program for the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office provides support during the reporting of sexual assaults, domestic violence and other crimes and referrals to victim services and resources. They can be contacted by calling 503-988-3222.
To file a police report regarding any rape or sexual abuse in Multnomah County, call 9-1-1.
Resources:
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
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AUGUST 27, 2018
Former school employee pleads guilty to luring a minor after she sent him nude images of herself
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced 32-year-old Kecia Jean Weaver pleaded guilty to one count of luring a minor and was sentenced to 24 months of formal probation following an investigation into allegations she sent sexually explicit images of herself to a student enrolled at a local high school.
“This [plea] offer was carefully crafted after going through the facts of this case, after discussions with the victim and especially after a lot of the mitigation provided by the defense in this particular case [was reviewed],” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Nicole Hermann said during Monday’s hearing. “There was a very extensive psycho-sexual evaluation that was done that provided a lot of information both about Ms. Weaver and about how to move forward. ...A lot of the conditions of this probation rely heavily on the treatment classes and counseling as recommended [in] that evaluation."
This investigation started on February 9, 2018, when the principal at Centennial High School notified law enforcement that a student and school staff member were potentially having a sexual relationship. During the investigation, law enforcement determined the student met Ms. Weaver at an after school program during his freshman year. Gresham Police learned Ms. Weaver communicated with the student between 2015-2017 using Snapchat, and during some of those conversations there was an exchange of sexually explicit images and videos.
“Thankfully, cases like these are rare in Multnomah County,” Hermann said after court. “There was no evidence gathered during this investigation to suggest Ms. Weaver engaged in sexual contact with the minor victim. That said, as students go back to school, we must demand accountability from those individuals whom we trust to watch over our children while they are in school.”
Ms. Weaver was a member of the high school’s support staff. She was not a licensed teacher.
As part of her sentencing, Ms. Weaver will be required to participate in any treatment, classes or counseling as recommended during the psycho-sexual evaluation. While on probation, she will not be allowed to contact the victim or be allowed to use social media apps unless approved by her probation officer. Furthermore, she will not be allowed to have unsupervised contact with minors. Any supervision must be approved by her probation officer.
"Given all of that, the victim is quite appreciative that Ms. Weaver has taken full responsibility in this case. ... It's been very clear that she has taken responsibility,” Hermann said in court.
This case was investigated by the Gresham Police Department in cooperation with the Centennial School District.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office encourages parents to speak with children about appropriate relationships with school staff and other members of the community. A warning sign of a potentially inappropriate relationship would be a school staff member and a child communicating with one another after school hours over text messages and/or using social media apps. Many of these applications have features that include “disappearing” or “self-deleting” capabilities, which could make it difficult for parents or others to monitor those conversations. Parents who believe their children may be involved in potentially inappropriate relationships with a school staff member or anyone else in the community should contact law enforcement.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 23, 2018
Gregory Craine receives prison sentence for sexually abusing minor
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced a 20 month prison sentence for a man who manipulated and encouraged a minor female to take and then provide him with nude images of herself.
On August 23, 2018, Gregory Craine, 37, appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge and pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to use a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct and one count of sexual abuse in the second degree.
At the sentencing hearing a victim impact statement, which was prepared by the victim, was read. Her statement described the “emotional terrorism” and abuse Craine put her through using his manipulative tactics.
Part of the statement reads, “Gregory Craine, you took so much from me. You took my security, my trust, and the part of me [that] believed there was good in everyone. You killed parts of me that I loved. It’s not fair to me or to the people in my life who matter to me. You created an ugly thing in me that keeps love out and fear inside.”
The victim’s statement also talked about her achievements in becoming a better and stronger person since meeting the defendant.
This investigation was conducted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, but the case was prosecuted in Multnomah County.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned Craine met the victim while she was in addiction treatment services. The victim attended high school in Multnomah County but resided in Washington County and was 17 years old. The investigation also revealed that over a four month period in 2017, the defendant asked for, and had the victim send him, numerous nude and sexually explicit photos and videos of herself. The case was reported to law enforcement in Washington County after the victim’s family discovered the illicit conduct.
“This case shows the great lengths some individuals will go to so they can take advantage of another person,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney BJ Park, who prosecuted this case. “We are proud of this young woman who is now enrolled in an out-of-state college and is on a clear path toward success.”
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to provide resources to the community when it comes to protecting children. If you are, or a child you know is, a victim of a crime, contact law enforcement to file a report. In Multnomah County, reports can be filed by calling 502-823-3333.
Resources:
American Bar Association – Tips for Parents to Protect Kids from Online Predators
Department of Homeland Security – Talking to Kids About Being Online
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office – Investigations Division
Portland Police Bureau – Sex Crimes Unit
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 22, 2018
Steven Tubbs receives 100 month prison sentence following guilty verdict in rape case
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced 62-year-old Steven Tubbs received a 100 month prison sentence after he was convicted at trial as part of the Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Project.
The defendant’s trial began August 13th and concluded August 16th, 2018. Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge David F. Rees presided over the case and announced his verdict on August 17th. Tubbs was found guilty of two counts of rape in the first degree and two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. He was acquitted of two counts of sodomy in the first degree.
After sentencing, the victim in this case released a separate statement from the one she read in court.
"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the victim advocates who have stood next to me this entire time. Words cannot express my gratitude to the SAKI workgroups across the country who are fighting daily for survivors of sexual assault. We are here today because of the dedicated work of the Portland Police Bureau's Rose Project, Portland Police Detective Jason Christensen, and Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Amity Girt. I must also thank Judge Rees for listening to my story and returning this just verdict. I know now that I am not alone, and no victim should ever feel alone."
The statement continued: "Every sexual assault survivor should know, there are people who care about you. It's not right to let your attacker silence you. Perpetrators should be scared. They should face, and fear, the consequences of their actions. Talk with someone you trust - a victim advocate, a close family member, or a friend and know that it's okay to ask for help. It's okay to be strong. Your truth deserves to be heard, and it will be heard."
During trial, Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Amity Girt said, "this [case is] about a woman having every right to give or not give [consent] in a situation regardless of what they have done to make themselves more vulnerable.”
This investigation began on December 2, 2010 when the victim, who was 25 years old at the time, reported she had been sexually assaulted by Tubbs while attending a party at his residence in the Jantzen Beach area of Multnomah County. At the time of the offenses, Tubbs was 55 years old. At trial, the State presented evidence that showed multiple intoxicants were present at Tubbs’ residence and that the victim consumed several of those intoxicants to a point where she was no longer able to legally consent to sexual activity.
Oregon law targets individuals who take advantage of people who cannot consent because of impairment or because they are physically helpless.
“We all have the right to live our lives as we choose,” said Kendra Bonetti, the Victim Advocate on this case. “The law in Oregon protects us and our right to consent to sexual activity. Nothing can take that right away. No one should ever be subjected to unwanted physical or sexual contact. We are incredibly proud of the victim in this case. She showed great courage and strength when she took the witness stand during trial and relived this horrific event in her life.”
“The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Workgroup continues to pursue justice for the victims of sexual assault. We applaud this verdict because of its importance pertaining to incapacitated victims and consent,” said PPB Sgt. Molly Daul, supervisor of the Sex Crimes Unit.
Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Project
In 2015, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill, along with the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory collaboratively initiated a project to process thousands of untested Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kits in Multnomah, Marion and Lane counties.
District Attorney Underhill and others quickly identified funding from the New York County District Attorney’s Office (DANY) and worked collectively with the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit after the City of Portland received a grant from U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Grant Program.
DANY awarded the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office a total of $1,995,453 in September 2015. Using those funds, a coordinated effort involving local law enforcement and the Oregon State Police was launched to send SAFE kits, dated 2014 or older from Multnomah, Lane and Marion counties, to a private lab in Utah for testing.
In early 2018, an additional 302 SAFE kits from 13 other Oregon counties were sent to the lab using funds from the DANY grant. In total, nearly 3,000 SAFE kits from Oregon were sent to be tested.
In Oregon, Senate Bill 1571, known as "Melissa's Law," was the Oregon Legislature's response to ensuring all sexual assault kits, except for anonymous kits, are sent to the Oregon State Crime Laboratory for timely testing.
The Portland Police Bureau implemented a full submission policy in February 2015 that mandates every SAFE kit, with the exception of anonymous kits, be sent to the OSP Forensic laboratory.
Results from the kits continue to be investigated and survivors of sexual assaults are being notified through the Rose Project. The PPB Sex Crimes Unit, a victim-centered and trauma-informed detail, encourages those who have had a SAFE kit collected prior to 2015 to contact the oseproject@portlandoregon.gov">roseproject@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0125.
Current Multnomah County SAFE kit criminal cases (as of August 22, 2018)
State of Oregon vs Jihad Eldeen Moore - 18CR13996 - Pending Trial
State of Oregon vs Chanh Van Tran - 18CR25167 - Pending Trial
State of Oregon vs Curtis Clint Williams - 17CR37474 - Convicted in June 2018
State of Oregon vs Steven Guy Tubbs - 17CR08640 - Convicted in August 2018
State of Oregon vs Jose Oscar Rosales - 17CR29317 - Sentenced to 210 days in jail, 60 months of PPS
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us