October 14, 2019
Grand Jury returns not true bill decision in July 30, 2019 fatal officer involved shooting
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that upon the conclusion of the presentation of evidence, a grand jury returned a not true bill regarding the use of force by an officer assigned to the Portland Police Bureau that resulted in the death of 31-year-old Lane Christopher Martin.
The grand jury determined the use of deadly force by Portland Police Officer Gary Doran was a lawful act of self-defense and/or defense of a third person, pursuant to Oregon law.
This investigation started on July 30th, 2019 when officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau were dispatched to a disturbance in the 200 block of Northeast 122nd Avenue in Portland, Oregon.
A copy of the information previously released in this case from the Portland Police Bureau can be obtained by clicking here.
The grand jurors who reviewed this case all reside in Multnomah County. Each grand juror was selected by Multnomah
County’s Circuit Court from the regularly scheduled jury pool. This is a process set by the Oregon Constitution.
Like in the past, the grand jury proceedings in this case were recorded, in accordance to ORS 132.260.
Pursuant to ORS.132.270, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office will file a motion and request that the court authorize the release of a grand jury transcript for public review.
It shall be up to the Multnomah County Circuit Court Presiding Judge to determine if the motion to release the transcript will be granted.
Pursuant to the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has no additional comment on this matter.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
October 11, 2019
Jeffrey Lamont Sims Jr. receives 75 month prison sentence for his role in the death of Ervaeua Herring
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 30-year-old Jeffrey Lamont Sims Jr. received a 75 month prison sentence pursuant to Ballot Measure 11 after he previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the second degree for recklessly causing the death of Ervaeua Herring. Sims will receive credit for time served but no other sentence reductions.
Sims appeared in court on July 11, 2019 and pleaded guilty following extensive litigation in this matter.
According to court documents, this investigation started on August 17, 2014 when Sims and several members of the Hoover gang went to an apartment complex in southeast Portland looking for a rival gang member. During this investigation, law enforcement learned that Sims and the other Hoover gang members were seeking retaliation for an earlier incident that occurred in downtown Portland, according to court documents.
When Sims and the other individuals arrived at the apartment complex, they fired more than two dozen bullets into the apartment occupied by Ms. Herring, according to court documents. Law enforcement responded and located Ms. Herring deceased at the scene. Law enforcement also learned during this investigation that Ms. Herring was pregnant when she died.
The incident in downtown Portland occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Ash Street on August 17, 2014 and involved members of two rival gangs, the Woodlawn Park Bloods and the Hoover gang, according to court documents. During that fight, a Hoover gang member was shot and another Hoover gang member was pistol whipped in the face.
George Waters and Isaac Harden, members of the Woodlawn Park Blood gang, have been convicted for the shooting and assault.
The other involved individuals in the shooting of Ms. Herring are Demetruis Brown, 25; Deanthony Simmons, 25; Kelani Brown, 27; Tony Lamar Brown, 31 and Geontae Jones, 27.
Tony Lamar Brown previously pleaded guilty to one count of murder with a firearm, one count of burglary in the first degree and one count of unlawful use of a weapon.
Demetruis Brown, Kelani Brown and Deanthony Simmons are all currently pending trial.
Geontae Jones previously pleaded guilty to one count of murder with a firearm and one count of manslaughter in the second degree with a firearm and is pending sentencing.
The three individuals pending trial remain innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Kirsten Snowden and Senior Deputy District Attorney Nathan Vasquez.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the members of the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail and the other members of law enforcement for the dedicated efforts investigating this case.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
October 10, 2019
Angel Granados-Diaz pleads guilty, receives 36 month probation sentence that includes mental health treatment
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that as part of a carefully negotiated pretrial resolution, 19-year-old Angel Granados-Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in a public building and one count of unlawful possession of a loaded firearm in public after he brought a shotgun – with only one round in it – to Parkrose High School during a mental health crisis.
The court approved the pretrial resolution and sentenced Mr. Granados-Diaz to 36 months of formal probation. As part of his probation, Mr. Granados-Diaz will receive immediate mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Mr. Granados-Diaz never fired the gun while on campus nor did he ever intentionally point the firearm at anyone but himself.
“Through the course of the investigation it became clear to law enforcement and our office that Mr. Granados-Diaz did not have the intent to hurt anyone other than himself while at Parkrose High School,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Parakram Singh, who litigated this case. “The purpose of this resolution is two-fold: it ensures Mr. Granados-Diaz receives mental health treatment to address his suicidal ideations and it ensures a level of accountability for taking a loaded firearm into a school. This sentence is appropriate as it affords ongoing supervision and safeguards and simultaneously affords Mr. Granados-Diaz with an opportunity to move past this incident so that he can continue to heal.”
This investigation started on May 17, 2019 at 11:48 a.m. when Portland Police and other local, state and federal law enforcement responded to Parkrose High School, located at 12003 Northeast Shaver Street on reports of a disturbance involving a gun. As officers arrived, they learned that a school employee, later identified as Keanon Lowe, had Mr. Granados-Diaz detained and had secured the shotgun in a separate location. Officers arrested Mr. Granados-Diaz and transported him off campus. Mr. Granados-Diaz immediately told law enforcement that he did not intend to harm anyone else other than himself.
Law enforcement located the shotgun and confirmed it was loaded with only one round.
During this investigation, law enforcement learned that prior to Mr. Granados-Diaz accessing the firearm on campus, he made suicidal statements to another person. That student reported those concerning statements to school administration. In response, Mr. Lowe was sent to locate Mr. Granados-Diaz and to bring him to the office.
As Mr. Lowe responded to Mr. Granados-Diaz’s classroom, he was unaware that Mr. Granados-Diaz was inside a nearby bathroom with the firearm.
Almost immediately after Mr. Lowe entered the classroom, Mr. Granados-Diaz exited the bathroom, visibly upset holding the shotgun. Mr. Granados-Diaz then turned the firearm at himself and tried unsuccessfully to discharge the shotgun. When the firearm failed to discharge, Mr. Lowe was able to separate it from Mr. Granados-Diaz as students fled the classroom.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned Mr. Granados-Diaz legally purchased the shotgun, and that he brought the shotgun to school in a garment bag.
Furthermore, law enforcement learned that Mr. Granados-Diaz had been suicidal for several months prior to this incident.
As part of the plea agreement, Mr. Granados-Diaz stipulated that any firearm seized as part of this investigation shall be confiscated and destroyed.
The following other conditions were imposed by the court:
- Mr. Granados-Diaz must complete 64 hours of community service within one year unless otherwise directed the probation department if Mr. Granados-Diaz is enrolled in school
- While on probation, Mr. Granados-Diaz must comply with all orders and directive of his probation officer
- While on probation, he is not be allowed to enter, or remain at, Parkrose School High School
- While on probation, he is not allowed to have contact with any students from his class without prior approval from his probation officer
- While on probation, Mr. Granados-Diaz must participate in safety planning with his probation officer before attending any future educational institution
- While on probation, Mr. Granados-Diaz must agree to GPS monitoring at the discretion of his probation officer
- While on probation, he is not allowed to be in possession of any firearm whether it is real or simulated.
Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill wants to remind community members that there is hope and there are many individuals in our community who are compassionate and who are willing to listen and to help.
RESOURCES:
- Multnomah County’s Mental Health Crisis Line | 503-988-4888.
- Lines for Life, a non-profit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide, has a 24/7 crisis line at 1-800-273-8255
- The National Institute of Mental Health has a “Frequently Asked Questions” section about suicide on its website
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 1-800-237-TALK.
- The National Crisis Text Line is available by texting the word “HOME” to 741741.
If you have information that suggests a person in crisis may harm themselves or someone else, call 9-1-1 immediately.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
October 10, 2019
National organization announces Oregon has implemented comprehensive sexual assault forensic evidence kit reform
Today, the Joyful Heart Foundation, a national organization working to end the backlog of untested sexual assault forensic evidence kits nationwide, announced that Oregon, Connecticut and Utah have become the latest states in the country to enact comprehensive sexual assault forensic evidence kit reform based on the organization’s six pillars.
These kits are often called “SAFE kits.”
The Joyful Heart Foundation’s six pillars of comprehensive SAFE kit reform include: (1) Having annual statewide inventory of untested kits, (2) Having mandatory testing of backlogged kits, (3) Having mandatory testing of new kits, (4) Having a statewide tracking system, (5) Having victims’ rights laws and (6) Having funding for reform.
Today’s announcement from the Joyful Heart Foundation and data provided on its website means Oregon is now the second state – next to Connecticut – to have both completely eliminated its backlog of SAFE kits and to have successfully met all six pillars outlined by the foundation.
“Eliminating Oregon’s backlog and passing legislation to prevent another backlog from ever occurring required a unified effort and response from law enforcement and government. We are extremely proud of this recognition and we remain committed to providing the highest level of services and resources to survivors of sexual assault,” said Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill.
In 2015, DA 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 SAFE kits in Multnomah, Marion and Lane counties.
DA 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 the 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, which involved 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.
Under the DANY grant, nearly 3,000 SAFE kits from around the state of Oregon were tested.
In 2018, Oregon became one of the first five states in the country to clear its backlog of SAFE kits.
Senate Bill 1571, known as "Melissa's Law," helps satisfy two of the Joyful Heart Foundation’s pillars. Melissa’s Law was the Oregon Legislature's response to ensuring all SAFE kits, except for anonymous kits, are sent to the Oregon State Crime Laboratory for timely testing. Oregon Senator Sara Gelser was instrumental in this effort. The Oregon District Attorneys Association also provided critical assistance during the 2016 legislative session.
The Portland Police Bureau’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Workgroup, which was created in 2015, is comprised of victim-centered and trauma-informed members of the Portland Police Bureau and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
“Behind every kit is a person—a sexual assault survivor—waiting for justice,” said Ilse Knecht, Director of Policy & Advocacy for Joyful Heart. “The rape kit backlog represents a failure of the criminal justice system to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. We can and must do better. When jurisdictions test every kit, they solve crimes, bring answers and a path to justice for survivors, take criminals off the streets, and exonerate the innocent.”
A copy of the Joyful Heart Foundation’s press release can be obtained by clicking here.
On March 12, 2019, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, Jr., announced the results from his office’s $38 million initiative to test SAFE kits in states across the country, including Oregon.
As stated earlier, one of the pillars for the Joyful Heart Foundation includes having a SAFE kit tracking system. In 2018, Oregon enacted a law that requires the creation and implementation of an electronic, statewide tracking system of SAFE kits.
This summer, the Portland Police Bureau launched the Sexual Assault Management System (SAMS) Victim Portal, which is an online portal where survivors of sexual assault can track the progress and status of their SAFE kit. The SAMS Victim Portal, developed in 2018 by the Portland Police Bureau's IT Department in collaboration with its Sex Crimes Unit, was made possible and funded by the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative grant.
The SAMS Victim Portal is currently in the process of being implemented statewide. Completion is expected by July 31, 2020.
The Multnomah County Untested Sexual Assault Kit Unit is comprised of a deputy district attorney, a forensic consultant and a victim advocate. The USAK Unit reviews every case arising from a previously untested SAFE kit, evaluates whether the case can be reopened for further investigation, and handles any resulting prosecution.
Currently, Multnomah County DDA Tara Gardner is assigned as the Untested Sexual Assault Kit deputy district attorney. Julie Jacobs is the assigned victim advocate and Susan Hormann is the assigned forensic consultant.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners for their continued support of the Untested Sexual Assault Kit Unit.
Recently, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office produced a video for members of our community to inform them about at-home sexual assault forensic evidence collection kits. That video can be viewed by clicking here.
Current Multnomah County SAFE kit criminal cases (as of October 10, 2019)
- State of Oregon vs Jihad Eldeen Moore - 18CR13996 – Convicted Oct. 31, 2018
- State of Oregon vs Chanh Van Tran - 18CR25167 - Convicted in November 2018
- 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 - Convicted in February 2018
- State of Oregon vs Ricky Alexander Harrison - 18CR59141 - Pending arraignment
- State of Oregon vs Richard Timothy Ward – 19CR25495 - Pending arraignment
- State of Oregon vs Jesse Ryan Moser – 19CR53575 – Pending trial
- State of Oregon vs Donnie Michael Willis Jr. – 19CR55777 – Pending trial
- State of Oregon vs Leslie L. Thornton – 11-11-34868 – Pending trial
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
October 8, 2019
Cory Kettner receives 40 month prison sentence for using multiple stolen credit cards to make +$20K in fraudulent purchases
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 35-year-old Cory Kettner received a 40 month prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to using multiple stolen credit cards to make more than $20,000 in fraudulent purchases.
“Identity theft can happen to anyone and the amount of financial damage that can be done to a victim is enormous especially if the theft isn’t caught within a very short period of time,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Kate Williams, who litigated this case. “Here, Cory Kettner had unfettered access to multiple stolen credit cards and was able to use them before the accounts were flagged as suspicious.”
This carefully negotiated pretrial resolution brings a conclusion to three pending criminal cases Kettner had outstanding in Multnomah County. Combined, Kettner pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of aggravated theft in the first degree.
On July 25, 2016, a person contacted the Beaverton Police Department after learning that her business credit card had been used to make multiple fraudulent purchases starting June 16, 2016 and ending about a month later. In total, the person using the stolen credit cards, later identified as Kettner, made nearly $11,000 in fraudulent purchases at area grocery stores and several home improvement stores.
On December 18, 2018, a person contacted the Sandy Police Department after someone, later identified as Kettner, had used a credit card in his name and made more than $11,600 in fraudulent purchases between November 25, 2018 and December 3, 2018. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered the victim’s credit card in Gresham, Oregon after an alert store employee suspected the card was being used unlawfully. The credit card had been used several times to make jewelry purchases.
On December 20, 2018, Portland Police responded to art supply shop in the 5000 block of Southeast Milwaukie Avenue on reports of a fraudulent credit card being used. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that on multiple occasions, Kettner made online purchases using stolen credit cards. All of the purchases were in an amount less than $1,300. When police located and arrested Kettner, they found some of the stolen credit cards used inside a bag in his possession.
Upon his release, Kettner will have one year of post-prison supervision.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As such, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to offer the following tips for community members:
- Only provide your personal identifying information to individuals/organizations that you trust and who need that information
- Avoid email and phone scams by deleting all suspicious emails and/or hanging up on all suspicious phone calls
- Before clicking on any link within an email, confirm the authenticity of the email. Email addresses can easily be spoofed to make them appear official. The same can be said for websites.
- Set up automatic bank account notifications. Some financial institutions will allow you to set daily purchase limits.
- Consider freezing your credit with all three major credit bureaus. If you need to apply for credit or a loan, you can unfreeze them at that time. This will prevent someone from opening a credit card in your name.
- The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Sandy Police Department, the Beaverton Police Department and the Portland Police Bureau for their dedicated efforts investigating these cases.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
October 8, 2019
Man who threatened a child, mother receives probation, treatment sentence
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 50-year-old Brian Ray Lankford pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 36 months formal probation through the Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program after he unlawfully used a weapon to place a mother and her child in fear of imminent serious physical injury.
“This is a case that highlights the outcomes that can result as part of the coordinated and intentional efforts of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Strategic Prosecution Unit, the Multnomah County Department of Community Justice, the Multnomah County Circuit Court and the Portland Police Bureau’s Neighborhood Response Team and its Service Coordination Team,” said Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, who litigated this case. “The victim and her son were put in a very scary situation involving Brian Lankford. The victim’s son, who was inside a car when this all happened, told police that he feared Mr. Lankford would break out the car’s window and potentially hurt him or his mother.”
The victim and law enforcement both support this negotiated resolution, which calls for intensive supervision and treatment so Lankford is successful in the future and can exit the criminal justice system.
As part of his sentence, the court ordered that Lankford abide by all conditions of the Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program and any conditions imposed by his probation officer. The court also ordered that Lankford not have any contact with the victim or her son and cannot enter or remain at the location where this incident occurred. Furthermore, Lankford will not be allowed to be in possession of any weapons and will have to comply with the Portland Police Bureau’s Service Coordination Team and engage in drug and alcohol treatment as well as mental health treatment.
This investigation started August 3, 2019 when police responded to reports of a disturbance in the 1800 block of Southwest 14th Avenue in Portland, Oregon. Police learned that the property owner located Lankford and another person on her property and asked them to leave. Lankford was in possession of a tree branch and was swinging it while he yelled at the victim. While swinging the branch, Lankford walked toward the victim’s vehicle, which is where her minor son watched the events unfold. A neighbor, who heard the disturbance, reported that he exited his home and saw Lankford near the victim’s car hitting the ground with the branch. The witness told police he believed Lankford was trying to threaten the victim and waited with her until police arrived.
If Lankford is unsuccessful meeting the conditions of his probation, the court has the authority to imposed additional sanctions, including 25-60 months in prison.
As stated on its website: the Service Coordination Team is a Portland Police Bureau program that provides housing and addiction treatment to individuals with chronic arrests. Through the coordination of law enforcement and community providers, services work to address the root cause of criminal activity and offer real, long-term, attainable solutions to aid individuals in changing their lives.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Strategic Prosecution Unit 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 Portland Police Bureau’s Central Precinct patrol officers and its Neighborhood Response Team for their dedicated efforts investigating this case.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
October 7, 2019
Tusitala Toese arrested at Portland International Airport, arraigned on indictment charging him with assault
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 22-year-old Tusitala Toese appeared in court and was arraigned on a two-count indictment following an alleged assault that occurred in June 2018.
The indictment was filed on February 28, 2019.
Count one of the indictment charges Toese with assault in the third degree for unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly, while being aided by another person causing physical injury to another person.
Count two of the indictment charges Toese with assault in the fourth degree for unlawfully, intentionally, knowingly and recklessly causing physical injury to another person.
The alleged assault happened in Multnomah County on June 8, 2018.
Members of the United States Marshals Service and Portland Police Bureau located and arrested Toese on October 4, 2019 at approximately 10:30 p.m. at Portland International Airport. No additional details about the arrest are available at this time.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Toese is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Like in all criminal and civil matters, electronic copies of court documents, which are not subject to a protective order, are available to the public through the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon Professional Rules of Conduct.
This case is being litigated by 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.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
October 4, 2019
Woman receives probation sentence after an animal neglect investigation results in more than 50 animals being recovered
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 40-year-old Elicia Diaz-Caceres received 24 months of formal probation through the Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program after being convicted of seven counts of animal neglect in the second degree.
“Although Ms. Diaz-Caceres has a long history of animal neglect, this is a very intentional resolution that was thoroughly negotiated to ensure Ms. Diaz-Caceres receives dedicated treatment so no other animals are ever neglected or harmed in the future,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Nicole Jergovic, who litigated this case.
Pursuant to the plea agreement with the state, the court convicted Diaz-Caceres of six misdemeanor counts of animal neglect in the second degree and one felony count of animal neglect in the second degree. If she is successful completing all of the conditions of her probation, she may petition the court to reduce the felony conviction to a misdemeanor.
During this investigation, Multnomah County Animal Services and the Portland Police Bureau executed a court-authorized search warrant at Diaz-Caceres’ residence and removed 52 animals from the location due to deplorable conditions inside. The animals included dogs, rabbits and cats.
Investigators found multiple animals in a single crate, animals tied to furniture and in crates that had been stacked up inside the duplex. Many of the animals did not have access to water, including a dog that had 10 newborn puppies. There was also a small dog trapped in a crate, which also had open wounds that required stitching.
During a separate search warrant, law enforcement located three kittens that were tied up. One of the kittens was tangled so badly that it was unable to move. There was no water available to the kittens and they appeared thin with weepy eyes. Additionally, two guinea pigs were found in a cage that was filthy with both the cage and the food dish full of feces.
As part of her probation, Diaz-Caceres may not be in possession of any animals, she cannot live with anyone who owns or is in possession of animals without prior written permission of her probation officer, she must agree to random at-home visits by her probation officer, Multnomah County Animal Services and/or other law enforcement and complete any treatment or counseling that is recommended specifically for animal-related offenses.
DDA Jergovic, a veteran prosecutor, has received specialized training in prosecuting animal abuse and neglect cases, and has received the Oregon Humane Society’s highest award for individuals who have helped fight for better animal rights. She has also been recognized nationally for being an animal advocate.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Multnomah County Animal Services for their dedicated efforts investigating this case.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
October 2, 2019
Man charged with purchasing sex with a minor, assistance from the public requested
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the filing of a six-count indictment against 29-year-old Jordan Lin Johnson for unlawfully and knowingly offering to pay at least six minors for sexual contact in Portland, Oregon.
At this time, the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, are requesting assistance from the public in determining whether there are additional victims.
On September 30, 2019, members of the Portland Police Bureau Sex Crimes Unit located and arrested Johnson in the 17000 block of Southeast Tibbetts Street in Gresham, Oregon. He is charged with six counts of purchasing sex with a minor, a Class C felony.
According to the indictment, this investigation started on August 21, 2019 when Johnson unlawfully and knowingly offered to pay at least six minors for sexual contact.
As previously released by the Portland Police Bureau, some of the alleged conduct occurred near David Douglas High School, located in the 1000 block of Southeast 135th Avenue.
Because law enforcement would like to determine whether there are additional victims, the following information is being released in accordance with the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct.
On August 21, 2019, patrol officers with the Portland Police Bureau responded to four separate incidents of suspicious activity occurring in east Portland. Detectives with the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit were notified and began a thorough investigation.
During that investigation, law enforcement learned that an unknown male, while driving a vehicle, approached at least six minor females and asked if they needed a ride.
In two of the incidents, the male contacted two minor females simultaneously. The other two separate incidents each involved only one minor.
All of the minor females, when contacted by the stranger, said they did not need a ride and attempted to separate themselves from the individual. As previously released by the Portland Police Bureau, some of the minors were offered money to get in the vehicle.
In order to maintain the integrity of this investigation, no additional information about this case, including the ages of the minors, the specific incident locations, or specific times, can be released. The disclosure of those facts, or any other information, could influence any police interviews that may be conducted should any additional victims come forward.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Portland Police Bureau’s Detective Division at 503-823-0400 and reference case number 19-288651.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Johnson is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
October 1, 2019
Ryan Wayne Perkins receives 72 month prison sentence after a jury unanimously convicts him in his ninth stolen vehicle case
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that Ryan Wayne Perkins, 32, who has eight previous convictions for stealing cars, received a 72 month prison sentence for stealing a rental van while using a forged driver’s license.
On August 1, 2019, a jury unanimously convicted Perkins of one count of aggravated identity theft, one count of aggravated theft in the first degree, one count of felony computer crime, one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle.
This investigation started on September 28, 2018 when a representative from a moving and storage rental company reported that someone used the company’s mobile phone app on September 16, 2018 to rent a vehicle and failed to return it. The mobile phone app does not require a person to speak with a company associate.
The individual who rented the vehicle, later determined to be Perkins, used a driver’s license that contained someone else’s personal identifying information but displayed Perkins’ picture. As part of the automated rental process, individuals are required to take a selfie of themselves and also upload a photo from an identification card for verification. That information is uploaded to the company’s database and it is timestamped and includes GPS location information.
When the van, which was valued at $33,000, was not returned, the rental company sent a demand letter to the person listed on the rental agreement. This information came from the forged driver’s license Perkins used.
The victim of the identity theft immediately reported the letter to the Portland Police Bureau.
During the investigation, law enforcement determined Perkins rented the vehicle from an automated station located near the Hawthorne Bridge in Portland, Oregon.
Using the selfie Perkins uploaded at the time of the initial rental, law enforcement was able to identify him based on the tattoo Perkins has on his chin. The tattoo reads “BROOD,” a known criminal gang.
This case was prosecuted by Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Kevin Demer.
Sentencing occurred on September 30, 2019.
Due to an ongoing criminal investigation surrounding Perkins’ conduct while in court when the verdict was announced, no additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.
A copy of the selfie Perkins took, which was entered as evidence during trial, is being included with this release.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Portland Police Bureau for its dedicated efforts investigating this matter.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
October 1, 2019
Grand jury transcript released in David Wayne Downs officer involved death investigation
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that a transcript of the grand jury proceedings in the death investigation of David Wayne Downs was posted to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s website.
Upon return of a “not true bill” (see press release) in this matter by the grand jury, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion with the presiding court to create and release a transcript of the grand jury proceedings recorded pursuant to ORS 132.260(1).
The Portland Police Bureau previously posted its investigative files to its website, which can be accessed by clicking here.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has no additional comment on this matter.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
September 30, 2019
Man accused of felony bias crime for allegedly attacking transgender woman in the Pearl District
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the filing of a three-count charging document against 38-year-old Dominick S. Gonzales for allegedly assaulting a transgender woman while using hate speech because of his perception of the victim’s gender identity.
Gonzales is charged with one count of felony bias crime in the first degree, one count of bias crime in the second degree and one count of assault in the fourth degree.
This investigation started on September 29, 2019 when the victim, a white transgender woman, and her friend were standing in line waiting for free coffee and food in the North Park Blocks. Both individuals are houseless. The victim was wearing a dress, according to court documents, when a person, later identified as Gonzales, approached her and started yelling.
Gonzales used racist, homophobic and transphobic language towards the victim, according to court documents. The victim’s friend tried to separate Gonzales from the victim and repeatedly told him to leave. Despite this, court documents state that Gonzales made multiple attempts to get around the other person in order to reach the victim and that he continued to use hateful and harmful speech.
According to court documents, Gonzales became even more hostile and ultimately punched the victim in her face, which resulted in bleeding and swelling to her lower lip.
Other people in the area stepped in and wrestled Gonzales to the ground, according to court documents.
Witnesses reported chasing after Gonzales after he started riding a bicycle from the scene, according to court documents. Law enforcement arrived in the area and located Gonzales. When officers observed Gonzales, he started pedaling faster, according to court documents.
Police arrested Gonzales at approximately 9:12 a.m. on Sunday in the area of Northwest Flanders Street and Northwest Park Avenue in Portland, Oregon.
Like in all criminal and civil matters, electronic copies of court documents, which are not subject to a protective order, are available to the public through the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon State Professional Rules of Conduct.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Gonzales is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office was an active participant of the Oregon Attorney General’s Hate Crimes Task Force and helped draft the language that was in Senate Bill 577. The law, which went into effect on July 15, 2019, renamed the crime of “intimidation” to “bias crime,” added gender identity to the list of protected categories and removed the requirement that two or more people commit the crime in order to make it a felony in certain circumstances.
All potential bias crime cases, whether they are a felony or misdemeanor, are reviewed by the Violent Crimes Unit within the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. If a misdemeanor bias crimes case is issued, the felony-level attorney will retain the case.
If you are the victim of a bias crime assault or you are witnessing one, immediately call 9-1-1. If you are the victim of a bias crime and the suspect is no longer present or if you have information about a bias crime committed in the past, call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
September 30, 2019
Deshawn D. Seamster charged with assaulting a police officer at Portland International Airport
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the filing of a six-count charging document against 31-year-old Deshawn D. Seamster who allegedly assaulted an on-duty Port of Portland Police officer at Portland International Airport. During the alleged assault, the firearm in Seamster’s possession discharged, which resulted in him suffering a non-life threatening hand injury.
Law enforcement arrested Seamster on Friday September 27, 2019 in the 7000 block of Northeast Airport Way in Portland, Oregon.
Seamster is charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm enhancement, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of assaulting a public safety officer, one count of interfering with a police officer, one count of resisting arrest, and one count of disorderly conduct in the second degree.
This investigation started when an officer assigned to the Port of Portland Police Department contacted an adult male, later identified as Seamster, near baggage claim pick up number seven on the lower level of Portland International Airport, according to court documents.
Court documents state that Seamster is seen on surveillance video standing up after being contacted by the officer, pivoting his body away from the officer and reaching into his pocket. The officer attempted to turn Seamster toward him, but Seamster pulled away from the officer and ran into the glass revolving door that leads to the airport’s exterior. The officer chased Seamster into the revolving door where there was a struggle between both individuals, according to court documents.
The surveillance video shows a baggage handler walking by the revolving door on the sidewalk as the struggle unfolded, according to court documents. The person is seen on video reacting to a loud sound, later determined to be a gunshot. Both Seamster and the officer exited the revolving door and the officer was able to take Seamster to the ground. According to court documents, the baggage handler assisted the officer holding Seamster down, who was described as resisting arrest.
Video shows the officer grabbing an object, later determined to be a firearm, from Seamster’s hand, according to court document. The officer pushed the gun towards a garbage can where it was later recovered as evidence.
The baggage handler reported that while holding Seamster down, he observed Seamster holding the firearm in his right hand, according to court documents.
According to court documents, during the struggle inside the revolving door, a single round from the firearm was discharged. Paramedics transported Seamster to an area hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to his left hand.
On scene, law enforcement observed the slide of the firearm was locked open with a bullet casing stuck in the ejection port, according to court documents. Law enforcement located a bullet hole in the glass revolving door.
The officer involved in this incident suffered an injury to his left hand and to his back, according to court documents. The officer did not suffer a gunshot wound.
Like in all criminal and civil matters, electronic copies of court documents, which are not subject to a protective order, are available to the public through the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon State Professional Rules of Conduct.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Seamster is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
September 27, 2019
Wallace Joseph Moreland receives 126 month prison sentence for NE Portland shooting, robbery
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced 40-year-old Wallace Joseph Moreland received a 126 month prison sentence after he pulled out a handgun while committing a robbery on a TriMet MAX train and then attempted to shoot his former girlfriend in the legs.
On August 19, 2019, Moreland pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery in the first degree with a firearm and one count of unlawful use of a weapon constituting domestic violence.
By pleading guilty, Moreland admits that on March 30, 2019, while in the course of committing theft, he used a weapon and threatened the immediate use of physical force in an attempt to unlawfully take property belonging to another person and on that same day he carried, with intent, and unlawfully used a firearm against a third person.
This investigation started when Portland Police and Transit Division Police responded to reports of a person armed with a gun on a MAX train. Police learned the man, later identified as Moreland, was threatening passengers and pointed the gun at multiple people.
Officers contacted a woman who told them that she was on MAX with another woman and that while they were about to take a photo, they observed Moreland with the firearm. Moreland directed his attention towards them and threatened to shoot both of them while he attempted to take $20 and a purse belonging to one of the women.
By the time police arrived, Moreland had fled the area.
Several hours later, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 2600 block of Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. When officers arrived, they contacted a woman who told them that a man, later identified as Moreland, began yelling at her, pulled out a handgun and started shooting towards her legs. At the time, Moreland and the woman were in a romantic relationship and were living together. The woman told police that she was scared and believed that Moreland could have killed her.
Police located Moreland on scene and took him into custody.
During the investigation police determined that Moreland was the same person involved in the disturbance and robbery that happened on board the MAX in the Lloyd neighborhood.
This case was litigated by Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Nicole Bockelman and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit.
The primary responsibility of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit is to prosecute felony and misdemeanor domestic violence cases. The DV Unit is also responsible for screening, issuing, negotiating, and prosecuting allegations of contempt of court for violations of a Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) restraining order.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit is committed to ending family abuse. The unit engages in evidence-based prosecution of domestic violence. It emphasizes the importance of victim advocacy services for all victims and their children. Even when the prosecutor decides to proceed with a case without a victim’s participation, every effort is made to offer the victim advocacy services from available resources.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Portland Police Bureau and Transit Division Police for their dedicated efforts investigating this case.
Resources:
- Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office: Victim Assistance Program: 503-988-3222
- Call to Safety: 1-888-235-5333
- The Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services: 503-988-6400
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
September 27, 2019
Gresham man, 31, charged with multiple counts of bias crime
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the filing of an eight-count indictment against 31-year-old Sead Seth Selimovich for allegedly threatening to kill a woman and damaging her property based on his perception of her race and color of her skin, which is a bias crime under Oregon law.
Selimovich is charged with four counts of bias crime in the second degree, three counts of criminal mischief in the second degree and one count of criminal mischief in the first degree.
According to court documents and other publicly available documents, the victim, who is black, and Selimovich are next door neighbors.
In mid-August, Selimovich started yelling racial slurs toward the victim from his residence, court documents state. The alleged hate speech used by Selimovich was intertwined with death threats, according to court documents. Also present during the alleged incident was a nine year old boy who walks the victim’s dog. The victim reported Selimovich’s yelling caused the child to become extremely frightened. The woman also reported that she feared for her life and believed Selimovich would try to hurt or kill her because of the color of her skin.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned that the victim’s living room window had been broken out after someone threw a rock into it and that a window to the victim’s vehicle had been broken out with a golf club, according to court documents.
Gresham Police responded to the victim’s residence again and learned that the other windows, including the sunroof, to the victim’s vehicle had been broken out, according to court documents. More than $1,800 in damage was done to the vehicle.
Police spoke with the victim who identified Selimovich as the person breaking out her windows, according to court documents.
The indictment alleges that Selimovich unlawfully and intentionally, because of his perception of the race and skin color of the victim, subjected her to alarm by threatening to inflict serious physical injury; that he unlawfully and knowingly, with intent, caused substantial inconvenience to her and because of his perception of the race and skin color of the victim, he tampered and interfered with her vehicle on multiple occasions and that he unlawfully and intentionally damaged her personal property.
Selimovich appeared in Multnomah County Circuit Court on September 27, 2019.
Like in all criminal and civil matters, electronic copies of court documents, which are not subject to a protective order, are available to the public through the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon State Professional Rules of Conduct.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Selimovich is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office was an active participant of the Oregon Attorney General’s Hate Crimes Task Force and helped draft the language that was in Senate Bill 577. The new law, which went into effect on July 15, 2019, renamed the crime of “intimidation” to “bias crime,” added gender identity to the list of protected categories and removed the requirement that two or more people commit the crime in order to make it a felony in certain circumstances.
All potential bias crime cases, whether they are a felony or misdemeanor, are reviewed by the Violent Crimes Unit within the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. If a misdemeanor bias crimes case is issued, the felony-level attorney will retain the case.
If you are the victim of a bias crime assault or you are witnessing one, immediately call 9-1-1. If you are the victim of a bias crime and the suspect is no longer present or if you have information about a bias crime committed in the past, call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
September 25, 2019
Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Project results in 10th Multnomah County indictment
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that as part of the ongoing Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Project, a grand jury has indicted Leslie L. Thornton, 38, for allegedly raping and sexually abusing a 43 year old female in 2011.
This is the 10th case to be indicted under the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Project.
The victim in this case does not want media contact. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is requesting media respect her privacy.
On September 10, 2019, a Multnomah County grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Thornton and an arrest warrant was issued. The indictment charges Thornton with two counts of rape in the first degree, two counts of sodomy in the first degree and two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree.
It is alleged in the indictment that Thornton, while in Multnomah County on or about November 4, 2011, unlawfully and knowingly engaged in sexual intercourse with a female who was incapable of providing consent and that he unlawfully and knowingly subjected that female to sexual contact by touching a sexual intimate part of her body.
According to publicly available documents, this investigation started on November 5, 2011 when Portland Police responded to the intersection of Southwest 10th Avenue and Southwest Market Street to investigate a reported sex crime involving a person, later identified as Thornton. At the time of his initial arrest in 2011, Thornton was listed in a police report as being unsheltered. The case was assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit. A charging document was filed by the district attorney’s office on November 7, 2011.
On November 15, 2011, the stated informed the court that it was unable to proceed on the case at that time. As a result, the court dismissed the previously filed charging document against Thornton. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is unable to comment on facts surrounding the initial dismissal.
Recently, Thornton was transported from Marion County, Oregon and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He was arraigned on September 25, 2019 at the Multnomah County Justice Center, Courtroom #3.
This case is being investigated by the Portland Police Bureau as part of its Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Workgroup
Like in all criminal and civil matters, electronic copies of court documents, which are not subject to a protective order, are available to the public through the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon State Professional Rules of Conduct.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Thornton is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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.
Under the DANY grant, nearly 3,000 sexual assault kits from around the state of Oregon were tested.
In 2018, Oregon became one of the first five states in the country to clear its backlog of Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) kits.
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’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Workgroup, which was created in 2015, is comprised of victim-centered and trauma informed members of the Portland Police Bureau and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
Results from the kits continue to be investigated and survivors of sexual assaults are being notified. The Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit 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 16, 2019)
- State of Oregon vs Jihad Eldeen Moore - 18CR13996 – Convicted Oct. 31, 2018
- State of Oregon vs Chanh Van Tran - 18CR25167 - Convicted in November 2018
- 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 - Convicted in February 2018
- State of Oregon vs Ricky Alexander Harrison - 18CR59141 - Pending arraignment
- State of Oregon vs Richard Timothy Ward – 19CR25495 - Pending arraignment
- State of Oregon vs Jesse Ryan Moser – 19CR53575 – Pending trial
- State of Oregon vs Donnie Michael Willis Jr. – 19CR55777 – Pending trial
- State of Oregon vs Leslie L. Thornton – 111134868 – Pending arraignment
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
September 20, 2019
Anthony Curry receives true life prison sentence following human sex trafficking conviction
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 54-year-old Anthony Curry received a true life sentence on 22 felony sex crime convictions. Four of the true life prison sentences will run consecutively following a four-day trial that was prosecuted by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Team.
Under Oregon law, Curry is ineligible for parole based on his criminal record and the court’s findings, which means he will never be released from prison.
“Anthony Curry stole my teenage years away from me. Even after I was rescued there was no way for me to be a ‘normal’ teenager. There was no way for me to live a ‘normal’ life. I tried as a teenager, and I am trying as an adult, a mother, and a wife, but there is so much damage, and I can never replace the years that are now lost to me,” the victim wrote in an impact statement, which was presented to the court.
In her impact statement, the victim described the impact Curry had on her by forcing her into the commercial sex industry.
“Anthony Curry brainwashed me. He made me feel dirty and worthless. And it has taken me years, and the birth of my son, to understand that I am not worthless, and to begin to understand just how worthy and beautiful I really am,” her impact statement continues.
During trial, the state presented evidence that showed the victim was 15 years old at the time of the offenses. In July 2014, she was in Portland, Oregon waiting for a TriMet bus when Curry drove past her, slowed his vehicle and circled the area. Curry stopped his vehicle in the middle of the road and started talking to her.
He convinced the victim to enter his vehicle and brought her to his residence in Multnomah County.
“Human trafficking is a form of slavery, where traffickers prey on vulnerable victims submitting them to commercial sex acts with strangers in order to make money,” said Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney J.R. Ujifusa, who prosecuted this case. “Individuals like Anthony Curry exploit young women into engaging in sexual acts with strangers thus placing them into dangerous situations so they can personally profit.”
In this case, Curry immediately started grooming the teen for human sex trafficking. During the investigation, law enforcement located multiple photos of the victim taken by Curry. The first photo was dated July 19, 2014.
The photos of the victim were posted to Backpage.com. Additionally, the victim testified that Curry provided her with a fake ID so they could enter local strip clubs.
The victim found herself dancing naked alongside adult women. Curry would drop her off at the club and pick her up “with his hand out waiting for that money,” Ujifusa said during closing arguments.
On September 9, 2014, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Curry’s residence where they located a heavily-highlighted and studied book titled, "The Art of Seduction.”
The book included detailed information on how to manipulate and control individuals. The book explained how to locate potential individuals who can be highly influenced.
“Anthony Curry – like many traffickers – was manipulative and preyed on any weakness he could find. We are so proud of survivors like the young woman in this case. The actions of Anthony Curry will have a lifelong effect on her, but as we’ve seen today, she is stronger now. She is a champion for other survivors,” said SDDA Ujifusa.
“Anthony Curry is a smart, sophisticated and an adaptable sexual predator. He has continuously evolved to become more dangerous through every arrest and every conviction. He had studied to become a predator to prey on the most vulnerable members of our community for more than 25 years,” said SDDA Ujifusa. “Since the 1990s, he has been looking for vulnerable children to rape, threaten, manipulate and control to get what he wants.”
Curry will have to register as a sex offender for life.
The jury acquitted Curry of one count of sodomy in the third degree.
This case was litigated by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Team, which includes two attorneys, an investigator and a victim advocate. Additionally, an attorney assigned to the MCDA gang unit is available to help prosecute cases and support the team as trafficking routinely intersects with gang violence.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the work of Beaverton Police Detective Chad Opitz, who is a task force officer on the Portland FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, for his work as lead investigator on this case.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office’s Human Trafficking Team works to protect victims utilizing a three-prong approach: (1) aggressively prosecuting those who traffic victims to sex buyers; (2) reducing demand for exploitation in all forms to include a dedicated focus on a reduction of sex buyers; and (3) ensuring adequate protection and support for victims of human trafficking.
If you are involved in sex trafficking, or know of someone who is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or 9-1-1.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
September 20, 2019
Hieu John Phung receives probation sentence for intentionally driving his SUV inside the Lady of Lavang Church
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 36-year-old Hieu John Phung received a 36-month probation sentence after a jury convicted him of intentionally driving his vehicle inside the Lady of Lavang Church.
“The damage done to Lady of Lavang Church was disastrous. This situation could have been deadly had anybody been inside. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but hundreds of parishioners were heartbroken to find their place of worship destroyed the day before one of their most sacred holidays,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Mariel Mota, who prosecuted this case. “The community support and collaboration we saw in the days and weeks after this event was truly uplifting, and representative of a nurturing, diverse, and engaged community we are proud to serve and represent.”
During the two-day trial, the state presented evidence that showed on December 24, 2018, Phung left his residence and drove to the Lady of Lavang Church, a Vietnamese Catholic church, located in the 5400 block of Northeast Alameda Street, in a full-size SUV and crashed through the closed gate. Phung intentionally smashed his vehicle into the exterior of the church multiple times. As a result, his vehicle entered the church, destroying the pews and doors.
The church had to spend more than $324,000 to repair the damage caused during this incident.
As Phung exited the interior of the church, he drove through another closed gate, causing more damage.
When police arrived, they located extensive damage and debris strewn about the property. Amidst the wreckage, police located a license plate, which was registered to Phung, and the front grill to his SUV.
Phung left the area before police arrived. Officers started doing an area check around the church looking for either him or the vehicle.
Several hours after the crash, Phung made two 9-1-1 calls about the incident. Law enforcement eventually located and arrested him without incident.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned Phung intentionally drove his vehicle into the church following a family dispute that had peripheral ties to the church. There was no evidence that this was a bias crime.
The jury convicted Phung of one count of criminal mischief in the first degree, one count of failure to perform the duties of a driver and one count of criminal trespass in the second degree.
As part of his sentencing, the court ordered Phung undergo a mental health evaluation and complete any treatment that may be ordered. The court also imposed 75 hours of community service, ordered that he have no contact and not enter the church while on probation, and suspended his driving privileges for one year. A hearing on restitution will be held at a later date.
Five still photos, which were entered as exhibits during trial, are being released with a copy of this press release.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the work of the Portland Police Bureau for their dedicated efforts investigating this matter.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
September 19, 2019
Grand jury indicts two men accused of assault on-duty security guard outside KOIN Tower
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the filing of a single count indictment against two individuals for the alleged assault of a security guard outside the KOIN Tower in downtown Portland.
Vasily Yashchuk, 19, and Andrea Feyster, 20, are both charged with a single count of assault in the third degree.
According to the indictment, both individuals unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly, while being aided by another person, caused physical injury to another individual.
This investigation started on September 7, 2019 when Portland Police responded to an assault call at the KOIN Tower, located at 222 Southwest Columbia Street. Upon arrival, police contacted the security guard who reported that while on patrol outside the tower, a group of three individuals pulled up in a red vehicle and started making fun of him for being a security guard, according to court documents.
Surveillance video captures the security guard being punched and kicked multiple times, according to court documents. The security guard sustained injuries that included a broken nose and broken tooth, according to court documents. The suspects fled the area before police arrived.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned the identity of Yashchuk and the other potential suspects after responding to a separate disturbance that occurred after the alleged assault near the intersection of Northwest 2nd Avenue and Northwest Couch Street, according to court and other publicly available records.
According to court documents, the security guard told police that Yashchuk was one of the individuals involved in the alleged assault.
Law enforcement located and arrested Yashchuk at approximately 2:20 p.m. on September 10, 2019 in the 12200 block of Northeast Glisan Street.
Yashchuk appeared in Multnomah County Circuit Court on September 19, 2019.
As a result of the indictment, the court authorized an arrest warrant, which remains in effect, for Feyster.
Like in all criminal and civil matters, electronic copies of court documents, which are not subject to a protective order, are available to the public through the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon State Professional Rules of Conduct.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Yashchuk and Feyster are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
September 17, 2019
Wayne Allen Edward receives 80 month prison sentence for child pornography possession
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 41-year-old Wayne Allen Edwards received an 80 month prison sentence following a sex crimes investigation conducted by the Portland Police Bureau’s Child Abuse Team, which resulted in the seizure of more than 400 images of child pornography.
“We work closely with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate any cybertip to identify individuals who possess, trade or distribute these appalling images,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney BJ Park, who litigated this case. “With more and more social media networks out there, we continue to rely on our partners and the community to report any type of suspicious content. The worst thing someone can do is to assume somebody else will make a report. These investigations are complex and require law enforcement to act quickly, which is why we encourage that immediate reporting, even if it is anonymously.”
This investigation started when a social media company made a cybertip about a user uploading sexually explicit images of children to his account and sending them to other users on the same platform. Law enforcement traced the user’s IP address and determined the person uploading the images was living in Portland, Oregon.
In April 2018, based on evidence gathered during the investigation, police obtained a court-authorized search warrant for Edwards and his residence. During the search, law enforcement seized various electronic devices including a smartphone that belonged to Edwards. A digital forensic examination of the phone was conducted and law enforcement determined Edwards was the exclusive owner and user of the phone.
During the search, law enforcement located more than 400 child pornography images, approximately 20 videos of prepubescent children being sexually assaulted and a file of an animal being sexually abused. Law enforcement also learned that Edwards contacted other individuals online - who claimed to be minors - and compelled them to send him naked images and other sexually explicit photos of themselves for his sexual gratification.
On August 22, 2019, Edwards appeared in Multnomah County Circuit Court and pleaded guilty to one count of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree, one count of attempting to use a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct and one count of encouraging sexual abuse of an animal.
By pleading guilty, Edwards admitted that he unlawfully and knowingly duplicated, disseminated, displayed and exchanged a visual recording of sexually explicit conduct involving a child while knowing and being aware of, and consciously disregarding, the fact that the creation of the material involved sexually explicit conduct involving a child; that he unlawfully and intentionally attempted to compel and induce a child to participate in and engage in sexually explicit conduct for a person to watch or record; and that he unlawfully and knowingly, for the purpose of arousing and satisfying the sexual desires of himself, or another person, possessed a visual recording of a person engaged in sexual conduct with an animal.
Upon release, Edwards will be on three years of post-prison supervision and will have to register as a sex offender.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Portland Police Bureau’s Child Abuse Team and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for their dedicated efforts investigating this case.
To make a cybertip to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, please click here.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us