UPDATE: Chris Young Sentenced To 81 Months In Prison In Relation To Stolen Vehicle Operation** -11/06/24
November 6, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Christopher Norwood Young, 35, was sentenced to 81 months in prison after pleading guilty on charges related to operating a chop shop, which was discovered during a multi-agency Stolen Vehicle Operation.
Case Facts
In May 2023, officers from PPB’s Stolen Vehicle Operation attempted to stop a vehicle displaying a fraudulent trip permit. The driver refused to stop and fled the scene but was later located in the 16600 Block of Northeast Wasco Street, in Gresham. During the initial investigation of the scene, multiple other vehicles that were either confirmed or suspected to be stolen were discovered. There were tools for disassembling vehicles and altering VIN numbers found at the location, and upon the execution of a warrant, seven additional confirmed stolen vehicles and several other suspected stolen vehicles were recovered. The operation also yielded the seizure of six firearms and two homemade suppressors.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm represented the state in this case. Over the course of several months, a plea was negotiated that resulted in Young pleading guilty to 14 counts with which he had been charged, resolving three criminal cases: 23CR23687, 24CR15291, and 23CR28078. Young ultimately pled guilty to the following.
- Possession Of Silencer
- Felon in Possession of Firearm
- Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (4 counts)
- Felony Elude
- Reckless Endangering Another Person (4 counts)
- Trafficking in Stolen Vehicles
- Aggravated Identity Theft Theft
- Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle
The resolution of this case is a prime example of the effective multi-agency collaboration of the Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF). Our office remains committed to the use of the ATTF’s evidence-based, data-driven practices and we would like to express our appreciation for all who played a part. A special note of appreciation to Portland Police Bureau’s Stolen Vehicle Operation, PPB Detective Jordan Zaitz, Gresham Police Department, and Port of Portland Police, who all contributed to the resolution of these cases.
*Original Message (4/1/2024)*
Christopher Young Indicted on Auto Theft Charges
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a grand jury indicted Christopher Norwood Young, 35, on four charges related to auto theft. Young was identified as a person of interest by the DA’s Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF) after he was arrested during a May 2023 Stolen Vehicle Operation.
Case Facts
On March 23, 2024, the ATTF issued a BOLO flyer to law enforcement regarding Young and his possession of a possible stolen vehicle. An officer with the Gresham Police Department (GPD) who received the flyer located the suspect vehicle that same day and determined that it was, more likely than not, stolen. The officer arrested and booked Young at the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges related to the stolen vehicle; he was transferred to custody in Clackamas County on pending DV-related charges out of Molalla.
Indictment
Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm is the lead for the ATTF. Upon review of the evidence, DDA Linderholm presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on March 29, 2024. Young was indicted on the following charges:
- One count of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle
- One count of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
- One count of Trafficking in Stolen Vehicles
- One count of Trafficking in Vehicles with Destroyed or Altered Identification Numbers
Young also has two open cases in Multnomah County where he is facing 52 charges, including auto theft, identity theft, reckless endangerment, and firearms-related charges. In addition, he faces four DV-related charges out of Clackamas County. He is currently in custody in Clackamas County.
The DA’s Office would like to thank the officers with the Portland Police Bureau, GPD, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and Molalla Police Department who have assisted with this case.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Young is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#