Salem Man Sentenced To Over Ten Years In Prison For Attempted Murder. (Photo) - 05/19/26

DALLAS (OR) – Daniel Ray Myers, 63, has been sentenced to serve 130 months (10 years, 10 months) in prison for stabbing and assaulting a Salem woman multiple times in February of 2026. Myers, originally of Dallas, was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso, after pleading guilty to Attempted Murder and Assault in the First Degree. He will also be required to serve a 36-month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release. Myers has prior convictions for murder, unlawful possession of weapons, and supplying contraband.

Judge Caso sentenced Myers pursuant to Oregon’s Ballot Measure 11 minimum mandatory sentencing law, which means he will not be eligible for any early release or other program that would result in a reduction of his sentence. Myers initially fled to California where he was apprehended through a coordinated law enforcement operation and extradited back to Oregon.

The case was prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen. The DA’s Office commends the victim for her resilience throughout the case, in particular her strong statement at sentencing. We also recognize the thorough investigations of the Salem Police Department and California Highway Patrol.

Independence Man Convicted In Sexual Abuse Case. (Photo) - 05/07/26

DALLAS (OR) – Today, a Polk County judge found Enrique Canales, age 42, guilty on all charges related to his sexual abuse of an adult family member. Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen prosecuted this case before Circuit Judge pro tem Timothy R. Park.

In 2025, the victim reported three acts of abuse to the Independence Police Department. Based on the ensuing investigation, police arrested Canales, of Independence, that same day. In February of 2026, Canales failed to appear for his first scheduled trial. Today, Judge Park also found Canales guilty of Contempt of Court for that matter.

The Polk County District Attorney’s Office commends the victim for bravery in reporting this abuse. This office also acknowledges the hard work of the Independence Police Department.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 26 at 9:00.

Polk County District Attorney Felton Issues Statement On Crime Victims' Rights Week (Photo) - 04/23/26

DALLAS (OR) - Today, Polk County District Attorney Aaron D. Felton issued the following statement as part of his regular, “From the Desk of the D.A.” series of written news updates. In his statement, D.A. Felton discusses his office’s annual flag display Crime Victims’ Rights Week and praises the work of the Victim Advocates in his office.

“April is a very powerful and meaningful month in our office. It marks the annual observation of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Awareness Month, and National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Although each observation has a different emphasis, they each have the common theme of raising awareness, prevention, and support for victims.

These actions are a central element of the DA’s Office mission to seek justice for crime victims and their families. This past year, the four dedicated advocates in our Victim Services Division directly served approximately 2112 individual crime victims, families, and businesses. This service includes numerous phone calls, written outreach, and most critically, face to face interactions. It is not uncommon for our advocates to spend many hours with victims and their supporters as they work to both process loss and navigate their way through the criminal justice system.

In recognition of the courage and resilience of those victims as well as the commitment of our advocates, we have created our annual flag display. Each year during Crime Victims’ Rights Week, our office plants a flag on the Courthouse lawn to symbolize a crime victim that has had a case with our office over the past year.

As District Attorney, it is my goal for the number of those flags to keep decreasing each year. However, for those persons who are victimized or otherwise suffer the traumatic effects of crime, I am grateful for the empathy and dedication of our Advocates as we seek justice and dignity for them.”

April 19 – 25, 2026 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse or another victimization, this may be a difficult time for you. Below are resources always available, should you need assistance or someone to talk to. Center for Hope and Safety: 503-399-7722; Sable House: 503-623-4033; Warriors of Hope: 971-241-3594

West Salem Man Sentenced To Three Years In Prison For Domestic Violence. (Photo) - 04/22/26

DALLAS (OR) – Travis Jay Miller, of West Salem, has been sentenced to serve 36 months in prison for a March, 2026 incident in which he attacked and strangled his girlfriend at her home.

Miller, 32, appeared before Polk County Circuit Judge pro tem Timothy R. Park and pled guilty to one count of Felony Strangulation. At sentencing, Judge Park imposed the maximum presumptive prison sentence plus an additional six months. Miller will also be required to serve a 24-month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release. Miller’s criminal history includes prior convictions for assault and domestic violence related offenses.

The case was prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Connor Amundson. The DA’s Office commends the victim for her strength and resilience throughout the case and the Salem Police Department for its thorough investigation.

April 19 – 25, 2026 is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse or another victimization, this may be a difficult time for you. Below are resources always available, should you need assistance or someone to talk to. Center for Hope and Safety: 503-399-7722; Sable House: 503-623-4033; Warriors of Hope: 971-241-3594

West Salem Man Sentenced To Two Years In Prison In Firearm Incident. (Photo) - 04/21/26

DALLAS (OR) – Nikodemus Demetri Amrine, of West Salem, has been sentenced to serve 25 months (2 years, 1 month) in prison for a 2025 incident in which he intentionally discharged a firearm inside his residence. At the time, Amrine’s wife and infant child were also present within the home.

Amrine, 22, appeared before Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso and pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Weapon. Judge Caso also ordered Amrine to serve a 24-month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release and to forfeit the firearm.

The case was investigated by the Salem Police Department and prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Garrett Lewellen.