June 13, 2019
Dontae Remarcus Farmer pleads guilty to killing a man in 2001, released from custody pursuant to plea agreement
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that pursuant to a carefully negotiated settlement, which was approved by the Court, 36-year-old Dontae Remarcus Farmer, who killed Robert Jesus Monterroso almost 19 years ago, was released from custody.
On June 12, 2019, Farmer pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the first degree with a firearm, the lesser included offense of murder with a firearm. By pleading guilty, Farmer admits he caused the death of another person in 2001 recklessly and under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life with a firearm.
Farmer received an 18 year prison sentence. Under Oregon law, credit for time served is non-negotiable and is given to all defendants when sentenced. Portland Police arrested Farmer on February 17, 2001 in connection to this case. As a result, Farmer was released from custody on June 12, 2019.
"I want to credit the attorneys for both sides – from the DA's Office and for Mr. Farmer – for reaching what I think is an eminently reasonable resolution to the case,” said Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Eric J. Bergstrom, who presided over the hearing. "This is consistent with how a similarly situated case would be dealt with today. … “[Mr. Farmer] could have become an angry young man railing against the system but he did the opposite. He has given his life over to a future of helping others.”
This investigation started on January 24, 2001 when the Portland Police Bureau responded to the 700 block of Northeast Dekum Street on reports of a man down. Officers arrived and located Mr. Monterroso on the ground with a single gunshot wound to the chest. Mr. Monterroso died on scene.
On February 27, 2001, a grand jury charged Farmer with one count of murder with a firearm.
A jury later found Farmer guilty of murder with a firearm.
After a lengthy appeal process, in 2018, the Oregon Supreme Court granted Farmer’s request for post-conviction relief following a detailed legal analysis of the trial and previous Oregon Court of Appeals rulings. The case was remanded to Multnomah County Circuit Court for a new trial.
"This case has a long history in the criminal justice system,” said Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Jenna Plank, who co-prosecuted this case along with Senior Deputy District Attorney Glen Banfield. "Mr. Farmer has done a lot over the last 18 years. When Senior Deputy District Attorney Banfield contacted the Oregon Department of Corrections, they described Mr. Farmer’s behavior over the past decade as that of the perfect inmate and exemplary conduct."
SDDA Plank told the court that Farmer has spent much of his time in custody preparing his life to do community outreach to those impacted by gang violence.
"I just want [the family of Mr. Monterroso] to know that words can never take away that anger or that hurt that they feel but I acknowledge it, and that my life moving forward is to try and save at least one individual so that another family doesn't have to go through the pain that they went through,” Farmer said during sentencing.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
June 12, 2019
Russell Morris, 55, receives 100 month prison sentence for sexually abusing two girls
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 55-year-old Russell Morris received a 100 month prison sentence for sexually abusing two children in 2010 and 2018.
During Morris’ sentencing, the victims’ family described his abuse as “horrific,” and said he has inflicted a lifetime of pain for the girls and their family.
“When these allegations were made, Russell Morris turned himself into police and immediately expressed his remorse and his willingness to accept responsibility for his crimes. He said all along that he wouldn’t make the victims testify and this plea agreement protects them from having to relive this abuse. It also holds him accountable for taking away the innocence of these two girls who are incredibly brave for coming forward and sharing their story,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Amanda Nadell, who prosecuted this case.
This investigation started in October 2018 when Gresham Police responded to a residence to investigate suspected child sexual abuse.
When law enforcement arrived, they spoke with a female victim who told law enforcement that Morris had sexually abused her on numerous occasions.
During the investigation, law enforcement identified a second victim of child sexual abuse. Both girls are related to one another.
By pleading guilty, Morris admits that he unlawfully and knowingly subjected both victims, who were under the age of 14, to sexual contact by touching intimate parts of their body.
As part of his plea agreement with the state, Morris will have to register for life as a sex offender.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the work of the Multnomah County Child Abuse Team and the law enforcement agencies assigned to that unit for their dedicated efforts investigating this and all other cases of child abuse and neglect.
This case was litigated by Deputy District Attorney Amanda Nadell who is assigned to the Multnomah County Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team, which includes representatives from local law enforcement, public schools, hospitals, courts, health departments, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Oregon Department of Employment Child Care Division.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team is responsible for reviewing and coordinating child abuse and neglect cases in Multnomah County. The team also handles all child homicides, felony child physical abuse cases, felony child abandonment cases, custodial interference cases, and felony sex crimes where the victim is currently under the age of 18 and where the perpetrator is determined not to be a stranger to the child.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
June 12, 2019
Indictment accuses woman of driving through covered walkway on Burnside Bridge, narrowly hitting pedestrian and PPB officer
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the filing of a 24-count indictment against 25-year-old Elizabeth Cheyenne Hefner for allegedly stealing a vehicle, fleeing police and nearly hitting pedestrians and other vehicles.
The indictment charges Hefner with two counts of coercion, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of menacing, eight counts of recklessly endangering another person, four counts of reckless driving, two counts of fleeing or attempting to elude police and one count each of failure to perform the duties of a driver, being a felon in possession of a firearm, driving under the influence of intoxicants, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
This investigation started when Portland Police received information about a stolen vehicle on May 26, 2019, according to court documents.
On May 31, 2019, a Portland Police officer saw the reported stolen vehicle near the intersection of Southwest 12th Avenue and Southwest Clay Street. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver, later identified as Hefner, accelerated at a high rate of speed and narrowly missed multiple cars as she weaved through traffic, according to court documents.
It is alleged that approximately 10 minutes later, another Portland Police officer saw the stolen vehicle near the intersection of West Burnside Street and Southwest 5th Avenue. The driver of the stolen vehicle, according to police, ran two stop lights and almost lost control as she swerved around other vehicles.
A third Portland Police officer was inside the covered pedestrian walkway that is temporarily set up along the Burnside Bridge for construction, according to court documents. The officer was going to deploy spike strips in the event that the stolen vehicle crossed the river, according to court documents. While the officer was preparing the spike strips, he heard a loud crash, looked up and saw the stolen vehicle approaching him at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was scraping the sides of the construction walkway because it barely fit inside the space reserved for pedestrians, according to court documents.
The officer saw a pedestrian in between him and the approaching vehicle. The officer, according to court documents, drew his gun and ordered the vehicle to stop, which came within 25 feet of the pedestrian. The pedestrian was ordered to jump over the barrier and to get onto Burnside Street.
When the officer attempted to take Hefner into custody, she put the vehicle into reverse and slammed into a metal support post, according to court documents. From there, it is alleged that Hefner started driving forward. In an attempt to avoid being hit by the vehicle, the officer inside the covered walkway jumped over the barrier onto Burnside Street.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the vehicle crashed at the intersection of Southeast 9th Avenue and East Burnside Street.
When law enforcement searched the vehicle, they located a firearm and ammunition, according to court documents.
It is alleged that at the time of this incident Hefner was a felon from a conviction in 2017 after she rammed a Portland Police patrol car near Powell’s Books in the Pearl District.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Hefner is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
June 11, 2019
Registered nurse accused of placing hidden camera in employee-only bathroom
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 40-year-old Wade Eugene Little, a registered nurse, was charged with placing a hidden camera inside a workplace bathroom at the Providence ElderPlace Laurelhurst facility.
Little is charged with two counts of invasion of personal privacy in the second degree and three counts of attempted invasion of personal privacy in the second degree.
Little was arraigned June 11, 2019.
This investigation started on February 21, 2019 when a female nurse working at the Providence ElderPlace Laurelhurst facility used the employee-only bathroom, according to court documents. While in the bathroom the female nurse noticed a box of latex gloves sitting on top of the toilet.
The female nurse picked up the box because she believed it was out of place, according to court documents. When she moved the box she noticed that it was “warm.” At that point, the female nurse discovered a smartphone, which was in active record mode, inside the box. There was also a small hole punched out in the corner of the box where the camera lens could look through, according to court documents.
When contacted by law enforcement, Little admitted that he placed his smartphone inside the box and placed it inside the bathroom in an effort to record its users, according to court documents.
Law enforcement later learned that prior to their arrival to start an investigation, Little was given his phone back and that during that time he deleted some files, according to the probable cause affidavit.
A digital forensic examination was conducted on the phone in an effort to discover any potential evidence. Law enforcement discovered five female nurses, while using the restroom, had been recorded in some capacity by Little’s smartphone, according to court documents.
It is alleged in court documents that between February 20 and February 21, 2019, Little unlawfully, knowingly, and without consent, recorded an intimate part of two separate women while they had a reasonable expectation of personal privacy.
It is further alleged that Little also attempted to record an intimate part of three separate women while they had a reasonable expectation of personal privacy.
At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any of Little’s patients were recorded.
Providence Health & Services has been fully cooperative with this investigation. The victims in this case are requesting privacy and do not want media contact.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Little is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
June 10, 2019
Indictment accuses 41 year old man of stealing tailgates, selling them online
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the filing of a 52-count indictment against 41-year-old Loyd Garoutte.
The indictment charges Garoutte with 26 counts of theft in the first degree and 26 counts of felony computer crime.
According to court documents, this investigation started in late 2018 when Gresham Police responded to the 5300 block of Southeast Woodland Drive to investigate the theft of a tailgate. During the investigation, the Gresham Police Department discovered that thieves were specifically targeting Toyota Tacoma tailgates. Between January 2018 and December 2018, more than 40 tailgates were reported stolen within Gresham city limits. Law enforcement was able to determine that most of the thefts were occurring from neighborhoods in southeast Gresham.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned that many of the tailgates, once stolen, were being sold online, according to court documents.
On December 27, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant in the 3000 block of Southeast Powell Valley Road. As part of the investigation into the stolen tailgates, the Gresham Police Department determined Garoutte was selling the tailgates on eBay, according to previously released information by law enforcement.
When the search warrant was executed, Garoutte was arrested. However, at that time, no criminal charges were filed because the District Attorney’s Office and Gresham Police needed to obtain a voluminous amount of eBay records as part of the investigation.
Once that information was obtained, via a court order, the case was presented before a grand jury.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Garoutte is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
June 7, 2019
Jury convicts two men of harassment for throwing horse lubricant mixed with glitter onto Portland Police officers
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 28-year-old Robert Majure and 29-year-old Tristan Romine-Mann were sentenced to five days in jail after being convicted of harassment after they threw horse lubricant mixed with gold glitter on two Portland Police officers during a large demonstration in downtown.
Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Kenneth R. Walker ordered Majure and Romine-Mann to self-report to the sheriff’s office. Once booked, both will remain in custody through the duration of their sentence.
Furthermore, Majure and Romine-Mann were sentenced to 18 months of bench probation and ordered to complete 32 hours of community service. Restitution to the City of Portland, for the damaged police uniforms, will be determined at a later date.
On June 5, 2019, a jury convicted both Majure and Romine-Mann of two counts of harassment, a Class B misdemeanor.
This investigation started on August 4, 2018 when a concerned community member approached Portland Police at a Patriot Prayer rally that was being held in Waterfront Park near the intersection of Southwest Natio Parkway and Southwest Columbia Street. The person told officers that counter-demonstrators had four (4) five-gallon buckets full of an unknown liquid with recreational water guns strapped to their backs.
“This started during a volatile and scary situation,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Kate Williams, who prosecuted this case. "We had two violent groups that were ready and willing to hurt each other. The police were tasked with keeping everyone safe and promoting free speech."
The officers approached Majure and Romine-Mann and asked them to remove the lids to the buckets. At that point, the officers observed a slimy substance. When the officers asked Majure and Romine-Mann to dump out the buckets, both threw the liquid onto the officers.
It was later determined that the substance was horse lubricant mixed with glitter.
"Here, we have two individuals who came to the rally to cause problems,” DDA Williams said. "Instead of doing what they were told, they seized the moment and after terrible judgement, they launched the liquid at the police. For the officers, who had just been covered in a substance they didn't recognize, it was a violent and dangerous situation. It was terrifying for them because they did not know if the liquid was going to hurt them."
After throwing the liquid onto the officers, both Majure and Romine-Mann ran from police.
"They ran because they knew what they had just done was illegal,” DDA Williams said.
Both men were taken into custody shortly after the incident. While inside a patrol vehicle, both men attempted to fist bump, according to evidence presented at trial.
The jury acquitted both Majure and Romine-Mann of one count of disorderly conduct. Majure was also acquitted of one count of resisting arrest.
Photos of two of the buckets and other photos entered into exhibit during trial are being released with a copy of this press release.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503-988-6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
June 7, 2019
Former tae kwon do instructor accused of raping a female student
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that an 18-count secret indictment against 22-year-old Iain Mackai, a former tae kwon do instructor, was unsealed in Multnomah County Circuit Court alleging that he lured a child and then raped her.
The indictment charges Mackai with four counts of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct, seven counts of luring a minor, two counts of rape in the third degree, two counts of sodomy in the third degree and two counts of sexual abuse in the second degree.
According to the indictment, in January 2019, Mackai, on multiple occasions, unlawfully and knowingly sent sexual images of himself to the child and used explicit verbal descriptions of sexual conduct for the purpose of inducing the child to engage in sexual conduct.
It is also alleged that Mackai compelled and induced the child to participate in and engage in sexually explicit conduct that was recorded.
Between December 2018 and March 2019, it is alleged in court documents that Mackai, on multiple occasions, unlawfully and knowingly engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexual activity with the child who was under the age of 16.
Mackai was a former tae kwon do instructor at a studio that is now closed in Gresham, Oregon. Law enforcement has learned that Mackai met the child he is accused of raping as part of his duties as an instructor.
At this point, there is no indication to believe that there are any additional victims; however, law enforcement continues to investigate.
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 19-83214.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Mackai is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The District Attorney’s Office has no additional comment regarding this case.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
June 6, 2019
Charges filed against 42-year-old man in connection with April 2019 vehicular homicide investigation
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that criminal charges were filed against 42-year-old Jaime Mendoza-Chavez in connection to a vehicular homicide investigation.
According to court documents, on April 10, 2019, members of the Portland Police Bureau, including the Traffic Division’s Major Crash Team, responded to the intersection of North Fessenden Street and North Polk Avenue on reports of a vehicle versus pedestrian hit and run crash.
Law enforcement and paramedics responded and located 82-year-old Ms. Sandra Bosch unresponsive in the roadway. She died on scene.
A witness told law enforcement that he was driving westbound on North Fessenden Street when he saw Ms. Bosch crossing the street, according to court documents. The witness slowed his vehicle and stopped as Ms. Bosch crossed the street.
The same witness reported observing a vehicle coming eastbound on North Fessenden traveling at about 45 miles per hour, according to court documents. The witness said the vehicle then struck Ms. Bosch and that the driver never attempted to stop.
Another witness, according to court documents, also witnessed the crash and reported that Ms. Bosch struck her head on the windshield on the passenger side.
On April 11, 2019, the University of Portland’s Department of Public Safety contacted the Bureau of Emergency Communications to report a suspicious vehicle that was parked at North McKenna Avenue and North Warren Street. The vehicle had a smashed front windshield with what appeared to be hair embedded in the glass, according to court documents.
The vehicle was located approximately two miles from where Ms. Bosch was hit and killed.
On May 21, 2019, the Oregon State Police Crime Lab confirmed the evidence recovered from the vehicle matched Ms. Bosch’s DNA, according to court documents.
Law enforcement made efforts to contact the vehicle’s owner. Earlier this week, law enforcement contacted Mendoza-Chavez who told police he “wanted to tell the truth,” according to court documents.
According to court documents, Mendoza-Chavez admitted he was the driver of the vehicle that hit and killed Ms. Bosch and that he had consumed two beers.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Mendoza-Chavez is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
June 6, 2019
Peter Jirasek receives 180 month prison sentence for killing Daniel Cohen
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 36-year-old Peter Jirasek received a 180 month prison sentence for causing the death of 30-year-old Daniel Cohen and then burning his corpse.
“We’ve lost a son, a brother, a grandson, and his friends have lost a friend who would have gone out of his way to help them if they needed help,” Mr. Cohen’s family said in court.
On May 22, 2019, Jirasek pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the first degree, one count of abuse of a corpse in the first degree and one count of unlawful use of a vehicle.
His co-defendant, Jessika Atkinson, who was never implicated in the homicide, previously pleaded guilty to one count of abuse of a corpse in the first degree for aiding and abetting Jirasek, one count of tampering with physical evidence, one count of hindering prosecution and one count of unlawful use of a vehicle. She received a probation sentence and is receiving drug treatment through Multnomah County’s START Court program.
During this investigation, law enforcement learned that Mr. Cohen and Ms. Atkinson were acquaintances. At the time of Mr. Cohen’s death, Atkinson and Jirasek were in a relationship.
On approximately March 29, 2017, all three gathered inside Mr. Cohen’s vehicle at an unknown location in Multnomah County to use narcotics. A fight between Jirasek and Mr. Cohen occurred.
“Mr. Jirasek beat Mr. Cohen until he was deceased and then he and Ms. Atkinson drove Mr. Cohen’s body down to Lane County where they burned his body and took his vehicle,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Kelley Rhoades who prosecuted this case along with Senior Deputy District Attorney JR Ujifusa.
On April 5, 2017, law enforcement located Jirasek and Atkinson living inside Mr. Cohen’s vehicle at Glenn Otto Community Park in Troutdale, Oregon.
Two days later, the Portland Police Bureau received a report that Mr. Cohen had not been seen or in contact with his family. He was listed as a missing person.
A substantial amount of blood that had been cleaned up from the back seat was located inside Mr. Cohen’s vehicle. The blood matched Mr. Cohen’s DNA.
On March 31, 2017, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received information that a body had been located within a burn pile on a remote forest service road.
By April 25, 2017, detectives concluded there was sufficient evidence to believe Mr. Cohen’s disappearance was suspicious.
Forensic testing on evidence obtained at the burn pile was conducted, so it was not immediately known that the human remains discovered were connected to Mr. Cohen’s disappearance.
In addition to Atkinson’s DNA being located at the burn pile, a metal seatbelt latch was collected at the scene. Law enforcement searched Mr. Cohen’s car and discovered that the rear passenger seatbelt had been removed.
During the investigation, law enforcement obtained bank and phone records belonging to Jirasek and Atkinson, pursuant to court-authorized search warrants. The records revealed that Jirasek and Atkinson had traveled to a wooded area in Lane County as well as the cities of Eugene and Florence.
The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office determined Mr. Cohen’s death was a result of homicidal violence. A forensic anthropologist confirmed Mr. Cohen suffered cranial trauma.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Portland Police Bureau, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office for their dedicated efforts working this complex investigation.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
June 6, 2019
Nehemiah Beavers receives 55 month prison sentence for SE Portland shooting
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 26-year-old Nehemiah Beavers received a 55 month prison sentence after being linked to a shooting that occurred on September 22, 2018 in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood.
This investigation started when Portland Police responded to reports of shots fired in the 3100 block of Southeast Powell Boulevard. Officer Two people were shot.
Members of the Portland Police Bureau’s Gun Violence Reduction Team located surveillance video that captured a red Mercedes Benz with Washington license plates pull into the parking lot of a motel and stop in front of one of the rooms.
The vehicle was registered to Beavers.
While at the motel, Beavers got into a fight and was captured on video reaching into his car, pulling out a handgun and shooting towards a group of people.
One of the victims was shot in the upper left shoulder while the other victim was shot once in the left elbow and once in the chest.
Both victims survived their injuries.
On March 6, 2019 Beavers pleaded guilty to one count of attempted assault in the first degree with a firearm and assault in the second degree.
By pleading guilty, Beavers admitted that he intentionally attempted to cause serious physical injury to another person with a firearm and that he knowingly caused physical injury to a second person by means of dangerous weapon.
The State believes is this an appropriate resolution given the facts of this case and Mr. Beavers’ lack of prior criminal convictions.
This sentence takes into account Mr. Beavers’ willingness to take responsibility for his extremely dangerous actions while also being mindful of the potential challenges that came up during the trial.
Mr. Beavers changed his plea to guilty on May 6, 2019, halfway through his six-day trial.
Upon his release, Beavers will be on three years of post-prison supervision.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
JUNE 4, 2019
Grand Jury returns not true bill decision in April 29, 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 two Portland Police Bureau members that resulted in the death of 42 year-old Jeb Brock.
The grand jury determined the use of deadly force by Portland Police Sergeant James Mooney and Officer Michael Gonzalez was a lawful act of self-defense and/or defense of a third person, pursuant to Oregon law.
This investigation started on April 29, 2019 when officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau were dispatched to a stabbing at a residence in the 13000 block of Southeast Center Street.
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 are Multnomah County community members. Each grand juror was selected by Multnomah County’s Chief Criminal Judge from the regularly scheduled jury pool. This is a process set by Oregon’s 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.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office cannot comment any further on this case at this time.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
MAY 31, 2019
Randy Shefstad receives 240 month prison sentence following child sex crimes investigation
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 53-year-old Randy Shefstad received a 240 month prison sentence for committing numerous sex crimes against children.
On May 21, 2019, Shefstad pleaded guilty to one count of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct, two counts of attempting to use a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct and three counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree.
During this investigation, law enforcement learned that Shefstad used graphic and sexually explicit language to electronically communicate with four separate minor victims – in four different states – in 2017 and 2018 for the purposes of sexual gratification.
“Randy Shefstad sent several videos and photos of himself engaging in sex acts to these underage victims,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney BJ Park, who prosecuted this case. “Furthermore, he compelled and induced these minors with developmental and mental disabilities to send him sexually explicit videos and pictures of themselves, and received, images of the minor victims in various stages of undress, to include images of nudity. This exploitation is a violation of each child’s innocence and a violation of the law. We believe this is an appropriate sentence that holds Mr. Shefstad accountable for the harm he has caused these children.”
This investigation started on October 10, 2017 when the parents of one of the victims in Texas discovered sexually explicit content on their child’s cell phone. The parents reported that information to law enforcement in Texas. Once it was discovered this case had an Oregon nexus, law enforcement in Texas used the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program to alert the Portland Police Bureau’s Child Abuse Team.
Investigators later discovered that Shefstad had downloaded and duplicated several hundred child pornography files that depicted toddlers and prepubescent girls being raped and sexually assaulted.
“The material Mr. Shefstad had in his possession was among some the most graphic and disturbing files of child pornography imaginable,” DDA Park said. “The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with law enforcement to identify people who view, share, download, upload or produce child pornography and to aggressively prosecute those individuals.”
All of the victims identified in this investigation were between the ages of 10-12 years old and lived in separate states outside of Oregon at the time of the offenses. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Shefstad used various digital devices to communicate online. All of the minor victims in this case had intellectual disabilities and were autistic. Shefstad met all the victims online; in the case of one victim, he encountered and groomed her on a singing app.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is part of a multi-disciplinary team comprised of representatives from law enforcement, public schools, hospitals, courts, health departments, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Oregon Department of Employment Child Care Division who work collaboratively to identify and aggressively investigate and prosecute cases of child abuse and neglect.
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.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the work of the law enforcement agencies from within Oregon and outside that assisted with this complex investigation.
#MCDA#
MAY 28, 2019
Superseding indictment identifies Homer Lee Jackson, 59, as the suspect in a fifth homicide
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the filing of a superseding indictment against 59-year-old Homer Lee Jackson. The indictment alleges Jackson is responsible for the 1993 death of 29-year-old Lawauna Triplet.
In October 2015, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted Jackson for intentionally killing Essie Jackson, Tonya Harry, Angela Anderson and Latanga Watts.
The superseding May 24, 2019 indictment identifies Tonya Harry, Angela Anderson, Latanga Watts and Lawauna Triplet as victims in this ongoing investigation.
All counts involving Essie Jackson have been dismissed. Although Ms. Jackson’s case is not being prosecuted by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time, Homer Lee Jackson continues to be a suspect in her death.
The 15-count superseding indictment alleges various legal theories of the aggravated murders of Ms. Triplet, Ms. Harry, Ms. Anderson and Ms. Watts.
The body of Ms. Triplet was located on June 15, 1993 near the intersection of North Going and North Concord near the pedestrian overpass. As detectives reviewed the scene, it appeared that her body had been discarded at that location in an attempt to conceal its presence, according to information previously released by the Portland Police Bureau.
Ms. Triplet was last seen alive walking along Northeast Alberta Street at approximately 1:30 a.m. on June 15, 1993. She was an African American victim of sex trafficking, according to the Portland Police Bureau.
The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Ms. Triplet died of abdominal injuries and strangulation.
On May 28, 2019, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Michael A. Greenlick arraigned Jackson on the superseding indictment.
The following is a summary, based court documents, of the previous four homicides Jackson is believed to have committed:
- On March 23, 1983, the body of 23-year-old Essie Jackson, who has no relationship to the defendant, was located at Overlook Park in Portland, Oregon. Ms. Jackson was an African American female who was the victim of sex trafficking. Ms. Jackson’s cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation by strangulation. (Note: At this time, the State is no longer proceeding on this case.)
- On July 9, 1983, the body of 19-year-old Tonya Harry was located partially submerged in the slough that bordered West Delta Park between the Portland International Raceway and the Heron Lakes Golf Club in Portland. Ms. Harry was also an African American female victim of sex trafficking. Ms. Harry was strangled with a ligature and died of traumatic asphyxia.
- On September 22, 1983, the body of 14-year-old Angela Anderson was located in the 400 block of Northeast Going Street in Portland. Ms. Anderson was an African American victim of sex trafficking. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office determined Ms. Anderson’s cause of death was ligature asphyxiation.
- On March 18, 1987, the body of 27-year-old Latanga Watts was discovered in an empty lot at North Concord Avenue and North Going Court in Portland near the pedestrian overpass. Like the other three victims, Ms. Watts was an African American victim of sex trafficking. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Ms. Watts was killed by manual strangulation.
This remains an ongoing investigation and as such, no additional information can be released at this time with regard to the death of Ms. Triplet or any of the other four homicide investigations.
This case is being investigated by the Portland Police Bureau Cold Case Homicide Unit.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has a close partnership with the Portland Police Bureau Cold Case Homicide Unit and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab to investigate unsolved homicides that have occurred in the City of Portland.
Information about many of the unsolved homicides in the City of Portland can be viewed by clicking here.
The Portland Police Bureau Cold Case Homicide Unit's slogan is: "We don't give up. We never give up."
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Jackson is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
MAY 28, 2019
Indictment filed in State of Oregon v. Angel Granados-Diaz
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that a grand jury, on May 24, 2019, returned a four-count indictment against 19-year-old Angel Granados-Diaz.
The indictment charges Granados-Diaz, a Parkrose High School student, with two counts of being in possession of a loaded firearm in a public building, one count of being in possession of a loaded firearm in public and one count of recklessly endangering.
In court documents, it is alleged that Granados-Diaz, did unlawfully and intentionally possess a loaded firearm while inside Parkrose High School, a public building. It is further alleged that Granados-Diaz knowingly, and with reckless disregard for the safety of others, attempted to discharge the firearm inside the school.
Additionally, it is alleged that Granados-Diaz did unlawfully and recklessly create a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person.
On May 17, 2019, members of the Portland Police Bureau along with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies responded to Parkrose High School after receiving information about a person on campus with a firearm, according to information previously released by the Portland Police Bureau. Law enforcement arrived and located an individual, later identified as Granados- Diaz.
Granados-Diaz was taken into custody without incident.
The Portland Police Bureau previously released a photo of the loaded shotgun that was allegedly in Granados-Diaz’ possession while on campus.
There is no probable cause affidavit filed in this case.
Granados-Diaz will be arraigned today, Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the Multnomah County Justice Center in Portland, Oregon.
His bail remains at $500,000, which was previously enhanced pursuant to a judicial order.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the public interest in this case. However, to preserve Granados-Diaz’ right to a fair trial, and because this remains an ongoing criminalinvestigation, it would be improper for the District Attorney’s Office to make any further statements regarding this case at this time.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime and Granados-Diaz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
MAY 24, 2019
Deandrea Sanders pleads guilty to for causing the death of Anthony Jackson Jr.
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 29-year-old Deandrea Sanders pleaded guilty for causing the death of Mr. Anthony Jackson Jr.
Sanders appeared in Multnomah County Circuit Court on May 24, 2019 and pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the first degree with a firearm and one count of attempted aggravated murder with a firearm.
Sentencing will be held June 21, 2019 in Multnomah County Circuit Court with Judge Eric Bergstrom.
This investigation started on July 12, 2015 when Portland Police officers patrolling the area of Southeast 137th Avenue and Powell Boulevard heard multiple gunshots in the area, according to previously released information.
Officers responded to the Shalamar Apartments, located at 13746 Southeast Powell Boulevard, and located Jackson, 19, suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. Officers secured the area and provided medical aid to Mr. Jackson. He was transported to the hospital, but died as a result of his injuries.
On July 16, 2015, law enforcement contacted Sanders and found him to be in possession of a firearm. The weapon was later tested for physical evidence and subsequently connected forensically to the death of Mr. Jackson.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Portland Police Bureau patrol officers who responded to this scene and the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail for their dedicated efforts working this case.
No additional information can be released on this case pending sentencing.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
MAY 24, 2019
Human sex trafficking investigation results in 75 month prison sentence for Christopher Iverson
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Team announced that 50-year-old Christopher Iverson received a 75-month prison sentence for sexually abusing a minor.
Iverson previously pleaded guilty to one count of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct, one count of sexual abuse in the first degree and one count of purchasing sex with a minor.
By pleading guilty, Iverson admitted that on or between January 22 and January 23, 2018, he knowingly employed a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct; that he subjected the victim to sexual abuse by touching an intimate part of her body and that he paid money to engage in sexual contact with the minor.
As part of Iverson's sentencing, he will be required to register as a sex offender.
This investigation started in January 2018. The Washington County Sheriff's Office, the agency that investigated this case, learned that when these crimes occurred Iverson was 49 years old and the victim was under the age of 14.
Law enforcement learned that Iverson and the victim had communicated over the internet. During that time, Iverson arranged to meet with the victim, which resulted in him sexually abusing her at a condominium in Portland, Oregon.
"We remain fully committed to identifying individuals who seek to sexually exploit the children of our community. The demand for children is unacceptable, and we continue to aggressively prosecute buyers and traffickers, said Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney JR Ujifusa, who prosecuted this case.
Iverson, who is already a registered sex offender, was convicted of sexual abuse in the third degree and unlawful delivery of marijuana after law enforcement learned that he provided drugs to minors in exchange for sex.
The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office recognizes the Washington County Sheriff's Office for their dedicated efforts working this case.
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.
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.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
MAY 22, 2019
Road rage shooting results in five year prison sentence for Southeast Portland resident
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 39-year-old Garvin Franklin Jr. received a 60 month prison sentence for his involvement in a road rage shooting.
Franklin pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This investigation started on October 23, 2018 when Portland Police responded to reports of a shooting near Southeast 151st Avenue and Southeast Yamhill Street.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned that the victim and Franklin were traveling through the Centennial neighborhood in separate vehicles. The victim told police that Franklin yelled at him, stopped his vehicle in the middle of the road and then pointed a gun at the victim.
The victim told police that he heard two gunshots as he accelerated passed Franklin’s vehicle. The victim was not injured. Other witnesses also reported hearing gunshots.
Officers determined this was a stranger-on-stranger incident.
Law enforcement located a bullet strike to the driver’s side portion of the victim’s vehicle. Police also recovered two shell casings from the scene. A photo of one of the shell casings is being included with this press release.
On December 28, 2018, Portland Police were dispatched to Franklin’s address to investigate the report of gunfire. Officers located shell casings that were later forensically analyzed. Law enforcement determined the gun used on December 28, 2018 was the same gun used on October 23, 2018.
By pleading guilty, Franklin admits that he was a felon in possession of a firearm and used that weapon during the road rage incident on October 23, 2018.
Upon his release from prison, Franklin will be on 36 months of post-prison supervision.
This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau’s Gun Violence Reduction Team (GVRT) and litigated by Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Shawn Overstreet.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
MAY 21, 2019
Hate crime indictment filed against Southeast Portland resident
Today, Multnomah District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the filing of a five-count indictment against 19-year-old Camar Livingstone.
The indictment charges Livingstone with one count of unlawful use of a weapon, one count of menacing, one count of harassment and two counts of intimidation in the second degree.
Intimidation is one of Oregon’s bias crimes laws.
Court documents allege that Livingstone unlawfully and intentionally, because of his perception of the victim’s sexual orientation, subjected that person to offensive physical contact; unlawfully and intentionally carried, with the intent to use, a machete; unlawfully and intentionally harassed the victim and unlawfully and intentionally placed the victim in fear of imminent serious physical injury.
According to court documents, on May 6, 2019, the victim, an adult male, was working at a local department store as a loss prevention officer when he saw Livingstone engaged in suspicious behavior. The loss prevention officer attempted to contact Livingstone, who then quickly approached the victim and started using homophobic language and made threats to harm the loss prevention officer, according to court documents. At one point, Livingstone, as he moved around the store, threw merchandise towards the loss prevention officer.
The victim requested assistance from other loss prevention officers, according to court documents. During the altercation, Livingstone punched the victim in the face. A second loss prevention officer arrived and tried to get Livingstone away from the victim.
When this occurred, according to court documents, Livingstone grabbed a machete from his pants and started to wave it around. Livingstone approached both the victim and the second loss prevention officer who responded as backup.
Livingstone fled the store, but was arrested a short time later by members of the Portland Police Bureau.
Livingstone was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and then released to Multnomah County Pretrial Release Service the next day.
He is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment May 21, 2019 at approximately 2 p.m.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Livingstone is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with its law enforcement partners to investigate all bias crime allegations that occur in the Multnomah County. Any person who believes they have been the subject of a hate crime is urged to contact law enforcement to file a police report.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
MAY 21, 2019
Shawn Martin receives 12 year prison sentence for duplicating more than 30,000 files of child pornography
Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 50-year-old Shawn Martin received a 12 year prison sentence for being in possession of more than 30,000 images and video files of child pornography.
“Children are among the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney BJ Park, who prosecuted this case. “The harm done to a child victim is compounded and made worse each time someone like Shawn Martin uploads, sends, trades or views these appalling files. We must do everything possible to stop this behavior and to protect our children. The District Attorney’s Office recognizes the technology industry for implementing safeguards to identify child pornography files that are distributed over the internet on a daily basis and to notify law enforcement immediately.”
This investigation started in 2017 when a video uploading website discovered one of its users was uploading child pornography onto his account. The company made a cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Using that information, law enforcement traced the account to Martin.
When the cybertip was received, Martin was on post-prison supervision after previously being convicted of sodomy in the first degree, attempted sodomy in the first degree and attempted sexual abuse in the first degree. Law enforcement received consent to search Martin’s electronic devices and discovered more than 30,000 images and videos of child pornography, including files depicting sadistic sexual abuse of children as young as two years old.
The forensic exam also revealed that Martin was in possession of written accounts of child molestation fantasies that had been downloaded from the internet, written manuals that gave tips on how to have sexual encounters with children, and written literature advocating how adult-child sex is not harmful to a child.
By pleading no contest to two counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree, Martin acknowledges that he knowingly duplicated, published, displayed and exchanged a visual record of sexually explicit conduct and that he knew and consciously disregarded the fact that the creation of those recordings included sexually explicit conduct of child abuse.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office for its dedicated efforts working this case.
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
MAY 20, 2019
Parkrose High School student Angel Granados-Diaz charged in Multnomah County Circuit Court
Today, Multnomah District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that a four-count charging document was filed in State of Oregon v. Angel Granados-Diaz.
Granados-Diaz, 19, a Parkrose High School student, is charged with two counts of possessing a firearm or dangerous weapon inside a public building, one count of being in possession of a loaded firearm in public and one count of recklessly endangering.
In court documents, it is alleged that Granados-Diaz, did unlawfully and intentionally possess a loaded firearm while inside Parkrose High School, a public building. It is further alleged that Granados-Diaz knowingly, and with reckless disregard for the safety of others, attempted to discharge the firearm inside the school. Additionally, it is alleged that Granados-Diaz did unlawfully and recklessly create a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person.
On May 17, 2019, members of the Portland Police Bureau along with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies responded to Parkrose High School after receiving information about a person on campus with a firearm, according to information previously released by the Portland Police Bureau. Law enforcement arrived and located an individual, later identified as Granados-Diaz.
Granados-Diaz was taken into custody without incident.
The Portland Police Bureau previously released a photo of the loaded shotgun that was allegedly in Granados-Diaz’ possession while on campus.
There is no probable cause affidavit filed in this case. A probable cause waiver was filed on May 20, 2019.
Today, Granados-Diaz appeared before Judge Michael C. Zusman in Multnomah County Circuit Court. His next court date is scheduled for May 29, 2019.
On May 17, 2019, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Amy Holmes-Hehn signed an order to increase Granados-Diaz’ bail to $500,000.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Granados-Diaz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
MAY 20, 2019
Gregory Stockert receives 120 month prison sentence for sexually abusing child
Today, Multnomah District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 69-year-old Gregory Stockert received a 120 month prison sentence for sexually abusing a child.
On April 23, 2019, Stockert pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. By pleading guilty, Stockert admitted that he unlawfully and knowingly subjected a child under the age of 14 to sexual contact on multiple occasions between the years of 2012 and 2017.
Stockert will have to register as a sex offender and must pay a total of $2,568.40 in restitution.
This investigation started in December 2017 when the victim disclosed being sexually abused to a mandatory reporter.
This case was litigated by Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Chuck Mickley who is assigned to the Multnomah County Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team, which includes representatives from local law enforcement, public schools, hospitals, courts, health departments, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Oregon Department of Employment Child Care Division.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team is responsible for reviewing and coordinating child abuse and neglect cases in Multnomah County. The team also handles all child homicides, felony child physical abuse cases, felony child abandonment cases, custodial interference cases, and felony sex crimes where the victim is currently under the age of 18 and where the perpetrator is determined not to be a stranger to the child.
#MCDA#
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us