EUGENE, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Colorado man has been charged with a hate crime after stabbing a Black man from Ontario, Oregon while the man was sitting in a fast food restaurant.

A federal grand jury in Eugene has returned a one-count indictment charging Nolan Levi Strauss, 26, a Colorado resident, with a hate crime involving an attempt to kill.

According to the indictment, on the morning of December 21, 2019, a 48-year-old Black man arrived at an Arby’s fast food restaurant adjoining the Pilot Travel Center in Ontario where he planned to provide final documentation for a pending job application. The man sat in the lobby of the restaurant while waiting for the manager.

Unprovoked and without warning, Strauss approached the man from behind and stabbed him in the neck. Following a struggle for the knife, the man freed himself and Strauss was detained by store employees. When asked by the store employee why he attacked the man, Strauss stated he did so because the man “was Black, and I don’t like Black people.”

The stabbing resulted in two lacerations to the victim’s neck. Afterward, he was life-flighted to Boise, Idaho for emergency surgical intervention.

Strauss will make his first appearance in federal court on October 19, 2020. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Ontario Police Department, Oregon State Police, and the Malheur County District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron A. Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that Gavaughn Gaquez Streeter-Hillerich, 22, has been charged by criminal complaint with two counts of using fire to maliciously damage and attempt to damage a building housing the Portland Police Bureau’s North Precinct and various private businesses on June 26, 2020.

According to court documents, in the early morning hours of June 26, 2020, a group of demonstrators were present near the Portland Police Bureau’s North Precinct on NE Emerson Street in Portland. The precinct is located in a city-owned building containing multiple private businesses. Streeter-Hillerich was seen in video footage intentionally setting a large dumpster on fire near the building’s northwest exterior corner. The fire was set on top of the dumpster, which had been pushed up against plywood affixed to the building to protect windows and prevent break-ins. Officers used fire extinguishers to try and extinguish the fire before firefighters arrived.

The fire caused damage to the building and, were it allowed to spread, would have threatened the safety of 15 police personnel and four individuals in custody inside the building. Video evidence of the fire submitted by a private citizen led investigators to identify Streeter-Hillerich and bring charges in this case.

Streeter-Hillerich was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Vancouver, Washington on September 15, 2020. He made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered released pending further court proceedings. Arson is punishable by up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years.

This case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the FBI with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Criminal complaints are only accusations of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

To help identify actors who are actively instigating violence in the city of Portland, the FBI is accepting tips and digital media depicting violent encounters during demonstrations. If you have witnessed unlawful violent actions, we urge you to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant to investigations at fbi.gov/PDviolence. You may also call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) to verbally report tips.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Marion County, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Mark William Osburn, 39, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release by U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut.

According to court documents, on September 23, 2018, an Oregon state trooper stopped Osburn after observing him commit several traffic violations. Osburn gave the trooper a fraudulent Washington State driver’s license in another man’s name. A records check revealed that the other man had an Oregon concealed handgun license, proving that the license Osburn produced was a fake. Troopers searched Osburn’s car and found ten fentanyl pills, approximately 74 grams of methamphetamine, and a pistol.

In a separate incident in December 2018, Salem Police officers executed a search warrant at a local motel room after receiving information that Osburn and his girlfriend were selling drugs out of the room. Officers found and seized methamphetamine, user quantities of cocaine and heroin, digital scales, several firearms, ammunition, counterfeit currency, fake identification cards, and $2,300 in cash, among other items. Officers also found a shotgun in Osburn’s vehicle.

Osburn told investigators that he and his girlfriend had been living in the motel room for two months. He admitted to using and selling methamphetamine, and claimed to have sold up to a kilogram of methamphetamine in a 24-hour period. He further admitted to trading drugs for firearms.

Osburn was charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; two counts of felon in possession of a firearm; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and one count each of possession of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. On February 8, 2020, Osburn pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. Osburn has an extensive criminal history that includes six prior state convictions for delivering methamphetamine

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Oregon State Police, and the Salem Police Department. It was prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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MEDFORD, Ore.—William Gregory Douglas, 38, of Cave Junction, Oregon, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison today and three years’ supervised release for threatening to shoot YouTube employees at the company’s San Bruno, California headquarters after his account was removed for violating the video-sharing platform’s terms of service.

According to court documents, sometime on or before August 22, 2018, YouTube removed Douglas’ video channel for violating the platform’s terms of service. In response, on August 23, 2018, Douglas posted five tweets threatening violence against YouTube employees. In one of the tweets, Douglas threatened a “bigger mass casualty” event, appearing to reference a prior shooting incident at YouTube’s headquarters in April 2018 that injured three employees.

Later, on September 8, 2018, Douglas posted a tweet stating “Hey why do you guys keep ignoring me would it be better if I leave you with no other options like your [sic] leaving me…I’m beyond pissed…I wonder how I should deal with this frustration.” Finally, on September 17, 2018, Douglas tweeted a direct threat at one of YouTube’s senior leaders saying “…I’m coming for you today #pray.”

On October 4, 2018, a federal grand jury in Medford, Oregon returned a one-count indictment charging Douglas with cyberstalking. Later, on January 14, 2020, he was charged by criminal information with one count of making interstate communications with the intent to extort. On February 20, 2020, Douglas pleaded guilty to the latter charge.

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone with information about real or perceived threats of violence should call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov. For immediate threats to life and safety, please call 9-1-1.

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EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for placing a hoax bomb at the Deschutes County Courthouse on July 29, 2019, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Jonathan Tyler Allen, 24, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. As part of his sentence, Allen was also ordered to pay $43,620 in restitution to the Deschutes County Circuit Court, Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, First Interstate Bank in Bend, and Bend Fire & Rescue.

According to court documents, on or about July 28 to July 29, 2019, Allen and co-conspirator Kellie Cameron, 31, also of Bend, conspired with one another to shut down the Deschutes County Courthouse in Bend by planting a fake bomb and calling in a bomb threat. Around the same time, Cameron constructed a fake bomb using batteries, wiring, a circuit board, and a fuel filter, among other materials.

On July 29, 2019, Allen and Cameron drove to the courthouse and placed the hoax device on a ramp near the building. At approximately 7:18am the same day, Cameron, who was with Allen, used a cell phone to call 911. He told the operator, “I just want to let you know that there are two bombs, one’s in the courthouse and good luck finding the other one.” Less than an hour later, with Allen again present, Cameron called 911 a second time to repeat his threat. Allen later threw one of the phones used into a canal to avoid being caught.

On August 7, 2019, Allen and Cameron were charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to make a threat regarding explosive materials and conveying false information and hoaxes. On June 5, 2020, Allen pleaded guilty to the same charge.

Cameron made his first appearance in federal court on August 21, 2019. He entered a not guilty plea and was ordered detained. Cameron remains in federal custody awaiting trial.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bend Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Nathan J. Lichvarcik and William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Laurielle Yvette Aviles, 29, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with civil disorder, a felony, after punching a Portland Police Bureau officer in the face during a declared riot on July 3, 2020.

According to court documents, on July 2, 2020, the Portland Police Bureau’s Rapid Response Team was conducting crowd control duties during a declared riot near the Multnomah County Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield. U.S. Courthouse in downtown Portland. Individuals in the crowd threw mortars, fireworks, glass bottles, rocks, and other objects at officers; blocked roads, and impeded traffic flow.

In the early morning hours of July 3, 2020, a Portland police officer was executing an arrest of a rioter when Aviles is alleged to have forcibly intervened. Aviles attempted to pull the officer off of the arrestee and punched the officer in the face. The arresting officer tried to gain control of the arrestee and Aviles, but was unable to do so. A second officer observed the struggle and saw Aviles throwing punches. The second officer intervened and was able to place Aviles under arrest. Aviles was later released by state authorities.

On September 8, 2020, Aviles surrendered to the U.S. Marshals Service. Today, Aviles made a first appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released pending further proceedings. If convicted, Aviles faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Jeffrey Fitch, 49, of Beaverton, Oregon, was sentenced today to twelve months and one day in federal prison for willfully failing to collect or pay over employment taxes to the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon also ordered Fitch to pay more than $453,000 in restitution to the IRS.

According to court documents, since 2002, Jeffrey Fitch, an engineer, owned and operated SFA Engineering LLC and SFA Design Group LLC. Between March 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016, Fitch collected federal income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from his employees’ paychecks and gave them paystubs reflecting the taxes withheld. However, during this time period, Fitch never paid the IRS the amount of tax withheld from his employees nor did he file the appropriate employer tax returns. In addition, Fitch also failed to pay his employer’s share of payroll taxes due to the IRS. 

Fitch used a large portion of the withheld funds to pay for his and his family’s personal expenses. In total, Fitch owed the IRS $453,879.40, which he paid just prior to sentencing.

On January 15, 2020, Fitch was charged by criminal information with one count of failing to collect or pay over employment taxes. On February 26, 2020, he pleaded guilty to the same charge.

This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Claire M. Fay, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—In separate criminal cases, three Portland residents have been charged with civil disorder for crimes committed during declared civil disturbances in Portland, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

William Grant Reuland, 24, is charged with civil disorder after assaulting police officers with a high-powered laser on June 13 and 14, 2020; Alexandra Eutin, 24, is charged with civil disorder after striking a police officer with a wooden shield on July 16, 2020; and Pedro Aldo Ramos, Jr., 20, is charged with civil disorder after punching a female police officer in the face on August 24, 2020.

U.S. v. Reuland

According to court documents, at approximately 10:00 p.m. on June 13, 2020, a civil disturbance was declared when a crowd gathered around the Multnomah County Justice Center in downtown Portland. A Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officer watching the crowd from the roof of the Justice Center observed two individuals, one later identified as Reuland, allegedly standing in the middle of the street and repeatedly hitting several officers in the face with high-powered lasers.

The officer moved to a lower floor and was able to photograph Reuland. The officer kept track of Reuland as the crowd was dispersed. In the early morning hours of June 14, 2020, Reuland joined a group of individuals marching from the Justice Center to Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s personal residence. Reuland was observed shining a laser at the Mayor’s residence and at other homes in the neighborhood. The officer who originally spotted Reuland with the laser, tracked his location until Reuland was contacted by other officers and taken into custody for assaulting a public safety officer. He was later released by state authorities.

On September 4, 2020, U.S. Marshals Service deputies arrested Reuland at his residence in northwest Portland.

U.S. v. Eutin

At approximately 11:45 p.m. on July 16, 2020, an unlawful assembly was declared after several people in a large crowd gathered near PPB’s southeast precinct on East Burnside Street in Portland began throwing rocks, bottles, and other hard objects and pointing high-powered lasers at officers. The group blocked traffic and ignored warnings to disperse.

Eutin is alleged to have used a wooden shield and hoses to strike a PPB officer in the head while he was attempting to arrest another individual. A second officer arrested Eutin for assaulting a public safety officer, and she was later released.

On September 6, 2020, Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested Eutin at her residence in southeast Portland.

U.S. v. Ramos

At approximately 10:20 p.m. on August 23, 2020, an unlawful assembly was declared after several people in a large crowd gathered near PPB’s north precinct on Northeast Emerson Street in Portland began throwing chunks of ceramic, rocks, and glass bottles at officers. The group blocked traffic and ignored warnings to disperse. Shortly thereafter, the gathering was declared a riot due to ongoing criminal behavior.

At around the same time, Ramos is alleged to have grabbed a PPB officer by her vest while she was arresting another individual and pull her away from the arrestee. Ramos then punched the officer in the side of her face. He was arrested for assaulting a public safety officer and later released.

On September 8, 2020, Ramos turned himself in to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Reuland, Eutin, and Ramos made their initial appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. All were released pending further court proceedings. If convicted, the three face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

These cases were investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and Homeland Security Investigations. They are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

To help identify actors who are actively instigating violence in the city of Portland, the FBI is accepting tips and digital media depicting violent encounters during demonstrations. If you have witnessed unlawful violent actions, we urge you to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant to investigations at fbi.gov/PDviolence. You may also call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) to verbally report tips.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Kelvin Valentino McDuffie, 34, of Supai, Arizona, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison and one year of supervised release today for assaulting an in-custody defendant in the Hatfield Federal Courthouse in Portland.

According to court documents, on July 26, 2019, Deputy U.S. Marshals escorted McDuffie, an adult female victim, and other male and female inmates into a prisoner elevator inside the federal courthouse. The male and female inmates were separated by a metal chain-link screen and McDuffie was restrained with handcuffs and a belly chain.

As the elevator arrived at a floor, McDuffie reached his fingers through the chain-link screen and touched the victim’s inner thigh and buttocks through her clothing with the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, and degrade the victim and arouse and gratify his own sexual desire.

McDuffie was in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after being arrested in the District of Oregon for an alleged violation of the supervised release that had been imposed following a conviction for assaulting a federal officer in the District of Arizona.

On November 21, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging McDuffie with assault and abusive sexual contact. On April 21, 2020, he pleaded guilty to assault.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to enforcing the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). PREA requires the development and promulgation of “national standards for the detection, prevention, reduction, and punishment of prison rape.” These standards, like the law mandating them, are intended to address a serious public safety, public health, and human rights problem—the incidence of sexual violence in our nation’s confinement facilities. To learn more about PREA, please visit:  https://bja.ojp.gov/program/prison-rape-elimination-act-prea/overview.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—On September 2, 2020, a Springfield woman who owned several durable medical equipment stores in Oregon was sentenced to federal prison for defrauding six health insurance plans of approximately $1.3 million and for evading $99,000 in federal income taxes, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Saffron Gustafson, 43, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Gustafson was also ordered to pay more than $1.3 million in restitution to the victim insurance plans.

“Health care fraud affects all Americans because it increases the cost of health insurance and reduces the amount of money insurance plans have available to pay legitimate claims,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “The investigation and prosecution of health care fraud is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Justice Department.”

“Ms. Gustafson exploited the insurance companies of vulnerable patients and then evaded payment of her significant tax liability,” said IRS–Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell. “Tax evasion is a crime that impacts each and every American, which is why it is a top priority for IRS–Criminal Investigation special agents.”

According to court documents, between June 2013 and August 2017, Gustafson owned and operated Saffron’s Specialized Medical, a durable medical equipment company with retail stores in Portland, Springfield, and Salem, Oregon and in Vancouver, Washington. Gustafson’s stores supplied customized compression garments to patients with circulatory medical conditions.

To defraud health insurance plans, Gustafson submitted bills requesting payment amounts inflated by 600% or more. To support these false billings, Gustafson, and employees acting at her direction, fabricated invoices from her wholesaler. Gustafson and her employees destroyed the genuine wholesaler invoices so insurance companies could not review them during audits. The six victim insurance plans are Cambia (Regence), CHAMP VA, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, TRICARE, and Providence.

Gustafson also evaded $99,606 in income taxes she owed for 2015 by falsifying records and diverting profits from her company to pay various personal expenses, including paying off the mortgage on her parents’ rental property and paying her psychic.

On November 12, 2019, Gustafson pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging her with health care fraud and tax evasion.

This case was investigated by the FBI; IRS-Criminal Investigation; and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Amtrak Inspectors General. It was prosecuted by Seth D. Uram, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Kevin Phomma, 26, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with civil disorder, a felony, after assaulting several police officers with bear spray during an unlawful assembly on August 26, 2020.

According to court documents, on August 26, 2020, protesters gathered near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on South Macadam Avenue in Portland, blocking city streets. The crowd spray-painted the building’s façade and threw projectiles at federal agents. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security declared the event an unlawful assembly at approximately 10:45 p.m. Minutes later, the Portland Police Bureau instructed the crowd to disperse and issued a use-of-force warning for non-compliance.

As Portland officers began dispersing the crowd, Phomma was witnessed pepper spraying officers. Phomma positioned himself with a shield in one hand and a spray can in the other. Phomma doused several officers with pepper spray while they attempted to arrest him. Once in custody, officers discovered the pepper spray was in fact a powerful bear deterrent pepper spray. While searching Phomma, officers also found a sheathed, three-inch dagger attached to his hip. Phomma was later released.

Today, Phomma turned himself in to the U.S. Marshals Service. He made his first appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released pending further proceedings. If convicted, Phomma faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Eva Warner, aka Joshua Warner, 25, of Beaverton, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with civil disorder, a felony, after targeting the eyes of multiple law enforcement officers with a high-powered laser during an August 8, 2020 riot in North Portland.

According to court documents, in the late evening on August 8, 2020, a riot was declared at the Portland Police Association office on North Lombard Street in Portland after individuals broke windows and set fire to the office. The crowd also used vehicles and dumpsters to illegally block nearby vehicle traffic.

Oregon State Police officers notified the Portland Police Bureau’s Rapid Response Team that Warner had directed a high-powered, green laser into the eyes of numerous law enforcement officers attempting to disperse the riot. Warner resisted arrest, prompting officers to use force. Officers found a black, pen-style laser pointer on Warner’s person. Warner was taken into custody and later released.

On September 2, 2020, Warner was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in a southeast Portland apartment without incident.

Warner appeared in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released pending further court proceedings. If convicted, Warner faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Hugo Ryan Berteau-Pavy, 26, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with civil disorder, a felony, after targeting the eyes of multiple law enforcement officers with a high-powered laser during a June 13, 2020 civil disturbance in Portland.

According to court documents, at approximately 10:00 p.m. on June 13, 2020, a civil disturbance was declared when a crowd gathered around the Multnomah County Justice Center in downtown Portland. At approximately 10:50pm, local police began to clear the crowd. A Portland Police Bureau officer watching the crowd from the roof of the Justice Center observed two individuals, one later identified at Berteau-Pavy, standing in the middle of the street and repeatedly hitting several officers in the face with high-powered lasers.

The officer moved to a lower floor and was able to photograph Berteau-Pavy. The officer kept track of Berteau-Pavy as the crowd was dispersed. In the early morning hours of June 14, 2020, Berteau-Pavy joined a group of individuals marching from the Justice Center to Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s personal residence. Berteau-Pavy was observed shining a laser at the Mayor’s residence and at other homes in neighborhood. The officer who originally spotted Berteau-Pavy with the laser, tracked his location until Berteau-Pavy was contacted by other officers and taken into custody. Berteau-Pavy was later released by state authorities.

On September 2, 2020, FBI agents arrested Berteau-Pavy at his residence in southwest Portland without incident.

Berteau-Pavy made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released pending further court proceedings. If convicted, Berteau-Pavy faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Kristopher Michael Donnelly, 26, of Kelso, Washington, has been charged by criminal complaint with civil disorder after assaulting a local police officer and being arrested during East Portland riots on August 5 and 8, 2020.

According to court documents, at approximately 10:30pm on August 5, 2020, Donnelly was observed using a hammer to destroy a window at the police bureau’s East Precinct on Southeast 106th Avenue in Portland. Donnelly was spotted by police throwing hard objects capable of causing injury, refusing to disperse, and blocking traffic. When a Portland officer attempted to arrest Donnelly, he forcefully struck the officer in the face with his elbow. He continued to resist arrest, requiring several more officers to assist. Donnelly was eventually arrested by Portland Police for riot, second degree disorderly conduct, interfering with a public safety officer, assaulting a public safety officer, vandalism, and resisting arrest.

On August 8, 2020, Donnelly was again arrested by Portland Police during a declared riot outside the Penumbra Kelly Building, a police facility on East Burnside Street in Portland, for interfering with a public safety officer, riot, and second degree disorderly conduct. Donnelly was observed by law enforcement blocking the street and throwing hard objects. Donnelly attempted to flee from officers and resisted arrest before successfully being taken into custody.

On August 30, 2020, Donnelly was arrested a third time for riot-related offenses. He was transferred to federal authorities on September 2, 2020 for his first appearance in federal court. If convicted in federal court, Donnelly faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon man has pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams. 

On September 2, 2020, Pierce Matthew Morrow, 24, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography, a charge punishable by up to twenty years in prison, with a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence; a $250,000 fine; and a life term of supervised release.

According to court documents, Morrow participated in an online chat room that involved the exchange of child pornography, and posted images of prepubescent girls and boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The FBI executed a search warrant at Morrow’s Bend residence in January 2018. A subsequent search of his phone revealed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography. Morrow admitted to posting child pornography online.

On January 18, 2018, Morrow was charged by criminal complaint with possession, distribution, and receipt of child pornography. He will be sentenced on December 3, 2020 by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Jeffrey Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, child victims suffer re-victimization each time the image of their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Michelle Peterson O’Connor, 31, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with civil disorder after throwing a helmet at an officer making an arrest during an unlawful assembly in Portland on August 24, 2020.

According to court documents, in the early morning hours of August 24, 2020, the Portland Police Bureau’s Rapid Response Team was conducting crowd control duties during a riot near the bureau’s Northeast Precinct. Portland officers witnessed O’Connor pick up a helmet from the ground and throw it at an officer arresting another person, striking the officer in the head. O’Connor was arrested without incident.

O’Connor made her initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was released pending further court proceedings. If convicted, O’Connor faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Jesse Herman Bates, 38, of Seattle, Washington, has been charged by criminal complaint with civil disorder after shooting a firefighter with a ball bearing during a protest in Portland on July 13, 2020, announced Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, in the early morning hours of July 13, 2020, a firefighting crew was working to put out a fire burning in the middle of an intersection in downtown Portland that was blocking traffic. A crowd of approximately 300 people were in the immediate area, some of whom were assaulting police officers and committing acts of vandalism and property damage. A firefighter, who was wearing a grey uniform with a large medic patch, was walking across the street to brief his team when he was shot in the chest with a round metal ball bearing.

The firefighter said the shot came from a protester armed with a “wrist rocket” style slingshot. A Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office deputy saw the suspect on camera and identified Bates as the slingshot shooter. Bates was also identified by his clothing. At approximately 3:50 a.m, law enforcement officers spotted Bates near a white tent in Lownsdale Square holding a crowbar. When officers confronted him and told him he was under arrest, Bates ran with the crowbar in hand. After receiving a less lethal munition to his backside, Bates dropped the crowbar and was taken into custody. He was later released.

On August 25, 2020, detectives from Seattle Police Department’s Robbery Unit received Bates’ outstanding federal arrest warrant and promptly issued a department-wide notice. Seattle police officers checked Bates’ last known address in West Seattle and learned that he was known to frequent Cal Anderson Park in the city’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. On September 1, 2020, bicycle officers spotted Bates on East Broadway Avenue near the park and arrested him without incident. He was then transferred to the District of Oregon by the FBI.

Bates made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings. If convicted, Bates faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland couple with previous fraud convictions was sentenced to federal prison today for defrauding a local elderly couple of approximately $1.6 million in a scheme lasting more than two years, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Ronnie Stevens aka Tim Ephrem, 51, was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Steven’s wife, Tina Ephrem aka Lisa Ann Peterson, 44, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

“Elder abuse is a devastating crime that can leave its victims financially and emotionally damaged for the rest of their lives,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Seniors fall victim to fraud schemes at far greater rates than the rest of the population. We all need to watch out for our elderly friends and loved ones. Your vigilance will make a difference. Our office remains committed to stopping the full range of criminal activities seeking to exploit Oregon’s seniors.”

“Prison sentences and restitution are what we can offer in the justice system. But, how can these elderly victims recover their sense of security and ability to trust others in what should be their golden years?” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “Stevens and Ephrem can never truly repair the damage they have done through their selfishness.”

“On behalf of the Tigard Police Department, I want to express our appreciation to our federal partners who assisted us with investigation,” said Tigard Police Chief Kathy McAlpine. “This was a serious crime occurring in Tigard as individuals preyed upon our elder community, one of our most vulnerable populations. The successful prosecution of this case has ensured the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”

According to court documents, between September 2016 and December 2018, Stevens and Ephrem conspired with one another to defraud an elderly couple, Adult Victim 1 (AV1) and Adult Victim 2 (AV2).

The scheme began in September 2016 when AV1, who was 76 years old at the time, offered a commercial trailer for sale at his business. Stevens claimed he brokered vehicle sales and could sell the trailer in exchange for a cut of the profit. Stevens did not ultimately sell the trailer, but quickly ingratiated himself with the victim.

Stevens later approached AV1 with an alleged lucrative investment opportunity. Stevens claimed that a friend named Tammy Ward was set to inherit an estate valued in excess of $100 million from her recently deceased father, but could not come up with the fees and legal costs necessary to release the estate. Stevens told AV1 that if he could advance the funds to release the estate, AV1 would receive a substantial return when the estate closed.

AV1 made multiple payments to Stevens over a period of time as Stevens told him various stories about delays and increased costs associated with the release of the estate. As part of the conspiracy, AV1 and AV2 both spoke to a woman on the phone who claimed to be Tammy Ward. Investigators revealed that Tammy Ward was a fictitious identity used by Stevens and Ephrem as part of the fraud scheme.

Between 2016 and 2018, Stevens placed more than 5,000 outgoing calls to AV1 and AV2 and, along with Ephrem, stole more than $1.6 million from their two victims. Stevens and Ephrem spent the stolen money on rent, utility bills, restaurants, cigars, luxury retail purchases and repeated travel to Las Vegas, Nevada and other locations including Hawaii, Anaheim, California, and Spirit Mountain Lodge in Grand Ronde, Oregon.

Stevens and Ephrem were arrested on January 11, 2019. They made their initial appearances in federal court the same day and were ordered detained.

On January 8, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Stevens and Emphrem. Together, on November 18, 2019, they pleaded guilty to conspiring with one another to commit wire fraud.

During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman ordered Stevens and Emphrem to pay more than $1.6 in restitution to their victims.

This case was investigated by the Tigard Police Department and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Donna Maddux and Julia Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

Elder abuse is a serious crime against some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, affecting nearly 10% of older Americans every year. Together with our federal, state, local and tribal partners, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office is steadfastly committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions, training and resources, research, victim services, and public awareness.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know needs help, abuse complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder abuse victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Lonnie Vantewa Albert, 55, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint for allegedly assaulting two Federal Protective Service officers with a sport utility vehicle on August 30, 2020, announced Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, in the early morning hours of August 30, two Federal Protective Service officers deployed to Portland in support of ongoing federal law enforcement operations departed the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in a rental vehicle en route to their hotel. Both officers were wearing their government-issued uniform with visible police patches and a badge.

While driving east on Interstate 84 approaching Interstate 205, one of the officers observed a gray sport utility vehicle passing on their left. The officer observed the other driver, later identified as Albert, glance toward him. Albert then turned sharply, nearly hitting the officers’ vehicle. The driving officer made several attempts to change lanes and pass Albert, but Albert swerved in either direction to block their vehicle. After positioning his vehicle to the officers’ left, Albert turned sharply to the right, striking the officers’ vehicle and causing his own vehicle to spin before coming to a stop.

When one of the officers got out of the vehicle to see if Albert was injured, Albert drove toward the officer, veered left, and fled the scene. The officers briefly pursued Albert to collect his license plate number and other identifying information. Albert then exited the freeway and stopped his vehicle near Adventist Health Portland, a hospital on SE 100th Avenue. When the officers pulled into the hospital parking lot, Albert pursued at a high rate of speed and struck the officers’ vehicle a second time.

Shortly thereafter, Portland Police Bureau officers placed Albert under arrest. The FPS officers’ vehicle sustained visible dents, scratches, and other damage.

Albert made his first appearance in federal court on September 1, 2020 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released on conditions pending further court proceedings. If convicted, Albert faces a maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Federal Protective Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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MEDFORD, Ore.—Oluwole Oluwaseun Odunowo, 37, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today to 54 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for his role in a nationwide conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, IRS-Criminal Investigation began a lengthy investigation into the fraud scheme when, in May 2013, a victim in Medford, Oregon notified the IRS that false federal and Oregon state tax returns were filed electronically using her and her husband’s personal identifying information including their social security numbers and dates of birth.

IRS determined the scheme required co-conspirators to amass a large supply of stolen U.S. taxpayer identities; obtain IRS filing PINs using victim identities; acquire prepaid debit cards in victims’ names; use fictitious email addresses; file fraudulent tax returns and conceal refund proceeds by wiring cash to Nigeria. Fraudulent tax returns were filed using the identities of thousands of Oregon and Washington taxpayers. In total, the scheme lasted several years and netted co-conspirators more than $11.6 million in fraudulent tax returns.

Using approximately 700 stolen identities he received from a co-conspirator, Odunowo filed fraudulent tax returns seeking over $1.5 million in refund payments. These returns resulted in nearly $403,000 in tax refunds paid by the IRS.

On September 6, 2018, Odunowo was indicted by a federal grand jury in Medford. On May 15, 2020, he pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Ann L. Aiken ordered Odunowo to pay $402,846 in restitution to the IRS.

This case results from a joint investigation by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations with support provided by the Department of Treasury, Inspector General for Tax Administration, the U.S. State Department, and the Oregon Department of Revenue Policy and Systems Unit and was prosecuted by Byron Chatfield and Gavin Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—The former office manager and bookkeeper for a La Grande, Oregon medical practice pleaded guilty today for devising a scheme to defraud her employer, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

Anndrea D. Jacobs, 49, pleaded guilty to filing a false personal income tax return, falsely impersonating an IRS employee, aggravated identity theft, and bank fraud as a joint resolution for two criminal cases.

According to court documents, beginning on or about January 2011 and continuing until her termination in December 2015, Jacobs used her position and access to the medical practice’s finances to steal money from the practice by, among other means, writing business checks to herself or for her own benefit. Jacobs used the stolen funds to make payments on personal credit cards, and pay other personal expenses unrelated to the medical practice.

In an attempt to hide her illicit actions, Jacobs prepared and maintained false business financial records, overstating expenses and estimated tax payments. Further, without the knowledge or consent of the medical practice owner, she opened a business bank account in his name; deposited a business check payable to the Oregon Department of Revenue into her own personal account; gave the practice owner falsified property tax statements with total due balances of zero; and convinced the practice owner to grant her limited power of attorney to handle the practice’s pending IRS tax collection action.

In perhaps her most brazen attempt to conceal her embezzlement activity, Jacobs created a fictitious identity as an IRS Taxpayer Advocate, aka Linda Gibson; established a phone number and voicemail account for the fictitious identity; and purported to assist the medical practice owner with his IRS tax collection issues while impersonating “Linda Gibson.”

On September 12, 2018, a federal grand jury in Portland returned 15-count indictment charging Jacobs with wire fraud, filing false tax returns, aiding or assisting the preparation of false tax returns, falsely impersonating an employee of the U.S., and aggravated identity theft. On June 5, 2020, Jacobs’ pre-trial release was revoked for committing bank fraud. On June 9, 2020, Jacobs was indicted a second time for the new fraud. She remains in custody pending sentencing.

Under the terms of her plea agreement, Jacobs will join the U.S. Attorney’s Office in jointly recommending a four-year prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on December 7, 2020 before U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez.

Jacobs has also agreed to pay restitution in full to her victim as ordered by the court.

This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). It is being prosecuted by Donna Maddux and Ryan Bounds, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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Charges include assaulting federal officers, arson, failing to obey lawful orders, and damaging federal property

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that 74 people are facing federal charges for crimes committed adjacent to or under the guise of peaceful demonstrations in Portland since at least May 29, 2020.

For more than 90 consecutive nights, Portland has been home to large demonstrations and protests against police use of force and anti-Black racism. On many nights, after peaceful demonstrations end, various public and private buildings have been the target of vandalism and destruction. Local, state, and federal law enforcement working to protect these buildings and ensure the safety of peaceful demonstrators have been subjected to threats and assaults from violent agitators while performing their duties.

“Violent agitators have hijacked any semblance of First Amendment protected activity, engaging in violent criminal acts and destruction of public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners are expeditiously working with local and state law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute these individuals that are disrupting the rule of law in our communities and physically attacking our law enforcement officers and destroying property. Violent agitators not only delay real reform, but make our community less safe by keeping law enforcement from responding to other critical calls for service.”

“While the FBI supports and safeguards Constitutionally-protected activity and civil rights, there is no permit for assault, arson or property damage and these are not victimless crimes,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “Among the victims of violent crime are business owners, residents and individuals exercising their First Amendment rights through protests or other legitimate forms of expression.”

“The nightly violence has to stop,” said Russel Burger, U.S. Marshal for the District of Oregon. “It is drowning out the voices of the many who are calling for change, and pulling police resources away from their primary mission of keeping this community safe. We must all come together to find a productive way to move forward.”

“As the nation’s primary source for fire investigative knowledge, ATF remains committed to investigating those responsible for committing arsons in our communities and holding them responsible for their illegal actions,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan McPherson. “As a reminder, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for arson. ATF takes these violent actions seriously and will work diligently to bring justice to the victims.”

“It is vitally important that all Americans have the ability to exercise their first amendment rights to freedom of speech,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Eben Roberts. “Unfortunately, much of what we’re seeing in Portland is the antithesis of that. Instead tragic events are being used as excuses for individuals with ill intent disguising themselves as activists to commit violent crimes against their communities and law enforcement officers. Progress can only be made if community leaders, law enforcement and the public come together in the name of social change, justice and peace.”

Since May 26, 2020, federal law enforcement authorities have arrested 100 people for crimes committed during local demonstrations. Seventy-four face federal charges, including felonies, misdemeanors, and citation violations. Crimes include assaults on federal officers, some resulting in serious injuries; arson and attempted arson; damaging federal government property; failing to obey lawful orders; and unlawful use of a drone; among others.

Charged defendants include:

• Edward Carubis, 24, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 1, 2020;
• Rowan Olsen, 19, is charged (photos available) with creating a hazard on federal property, disorderly conduct, and failing to obey a lawful order on July 2, 2020;
• Shant Singh Ahuja, 28, of Oceanside, California, is charged with destruction of federal property on July 4, 2020;
• Gretchen Blank, 29, of Seattle, Washington, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
• Andrew Faulkner, 24, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
• Christopher Fellini, 31, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
• Theodore Matthee-O’Brien, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
• Cody Porter, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
• Taimane Teo, 24, of Eugene, Oregon, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
• Benjamin Wood-Pavich, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
• Jacob Gaines, 23, a Texas resident, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 11, 2020;
• Lillith Grin, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 12, 2020;
• Benjamin Bolen, 36, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 13, 2020;
• Kevin Weier, 36, is charged with attempted arson on July 13, 2020;
• Wyatt Ash-Milby, 18, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
• Jerusalem Callahan, 24, is charged with damaging government property on July 21, 2020;
• Zachary Duffly, 45, is charged with creating a disturbance on July 21, 2020;
• Caleb Ehlers, 23, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
• Paul Furst, 22, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
• Jennifer Kristiansen, 38, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 21, 2020;
• Ella Miller, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
• Marie Sager, 27, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
• Giovanni Bondurant, 19, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
• Bailey Dreibelbis, 22, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
• Gabriel Huston, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
• Joseph Lagalo, 37, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 22, 2020;
• Taylor Lemons, 32, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
• Joseph Ybarra, 21, is charged with arson on July 22, 2020;
• David Hazan, 24, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
• Nicholas Kloiber, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
• Cameron Knutson, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
• Carly Ballard, 34, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 24, 2020;
• David Bouchard, 36, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 24, 2020;
• Dakota Eastman, 30, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
• Josslynn Kreutz, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
• Ezra Meyers, 18, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
• Mark Rolycanov, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
• Pablo Avvocato, 26, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
• Douglas Dean, 34, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
• Rebecca Mota Gonzales, 37, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
• Thomas Johnson, 33, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
• Richard Lindstedt, 33, is charged with violating national defense airspace on July 25, 2020;
• Nathan Onderdonk-Snow, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
• Stephen O’Donnell, 65, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
• Joshua Webb, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
• Jeffree Cary, 30, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
• John Tyler Gabriel, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
• Noelle Mandolfo, 30, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
• Patrick Stafford, 35, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
• Travis Williams, 27, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
• Caleb Wills, 29, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
• Brodie Storey, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 27, 2020;
• Edward Schinzing, 32, is charged (photos available) with arson on July 28, 2020;
• James Hickerson, 54, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 28, 2020;
• Ian Wolf, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order and creating a hazard on federal property on July 28, 2020;
• Sabastian Dubar, 23, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
• Jordan Johnson, 32, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
• Evan Kriechbaum, 31, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
• Christine Margaux, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
• Gabriel Agard-Berryhill, 18, is charged (video available) with arson on July 30, 2020;
• Isaiah Maza, 18, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 31, 2020;
• Dakotah Horton, 24, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on August 17, 2020; and
• Dakota Means, 20, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on August 24, 2020.

Eleven others have been issued citation violations. All defendants, unless noted, are presumed to be local residents.

Several of the charges being used to prosecute violent agitators carry significant maximum prison sentences. For example, felony assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Arson is punishable by up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.

It is important to note that while some federal charges require crimes be committed on federal property, others do not. Violent acts committed throughout the city of Portland under the guise of peaceful protest are being evaluated by local federal prosecutors for prosecution.

These cases are being investigated by the FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and Federal Protective Service. They are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Indictments, complaints, and informations are only accusations of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

To help identify actors who are actively instigating violence in the city of Portland, the FBI is accepting tips and digital media depicting violent encounters during demonstrations. If you have witnessed unlawful violent actions, we urge you to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant to investigations at fbi.gov/PDViolence.

Specifically, the FBI is assisting partner agencies by asking for the public’s help in identifying individuals who participated in or may have been a witness to criminal activity at the following locations:

• Near or inside the Multnomah County Justice Center in downtown Portland on the night of May 29, 2020 or into the morning of May 30, 2020. Details here: Justice Center
• Near the Chase Bank branch located at 811 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, shortly before 1 a.m. on May 30, 2020. Details here: Chase Bank

Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or (503) 224-4181. They can also be submitted online by visiting: tips.fbi.gov.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Gerald Ryan Davis, 37, of St. Helens, Oregon, was sentenced today to 13 years in federal prison and a life term of supervised release for travelling across state lines to repeatedly sexually assault a 14-year-old victim.

According to court documents, Davis used social media to find his victim and, beginning in December 2014, repeatedly traveled across state lines to meet in person and engage in criminal sexual conduct. Davis gave the victim alcohol during these encounters.

Davis, who was 33 years old at the time, had previously been convicted in 2011 of sexually abusing a 17-year-old and was sentenced to probation. While on probation, he repeatedly violated his release conditions by contacting minor victims and was ordered to serve two years in prison. He was released in July 2014, five months prior to sexually assaulting the minor victim in this case.

On January 31, 2017, local police officers arrested Davis after executing a search warrant at his St. Helens home. While in custody, he admitted to sexually assaulting the minor. On March 1, 2019, he waived indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of traveling with intent to engage in criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the St. Helens Police Department. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Dakota Kurtis Means, 20, a resident of Portland, has been charged by criminal information with forcibly assaulting, impeding, and intimidating a federal employee near the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse on August 24, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams.

According to court documents and information shared in court, at approximately 5:30am on August 24, 2020, an employee was walking to work at the Hatfield Federal Courthouse when Means allegedly began following the employee, yelling obscenities. Means was carrying a black colored paintball rifle and yelled “it’s a paintball gun now, but it’s going to be an AR later,” seemingly referring to an AR-15 assault rifle. Means was arrested a short time later near the courthouse by U.S. Marshals Service deputies.

Means made his initial appearance in federal court on August 24, 2020 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered released to a residential re-entry center pending a one-day jury trial scheduled to begin on October 27, 2020.

Forcibly assaulting, impeding, and intimidating a federal employee while engaged in or on account of the performance of their official duties, a Class A misdemeanor, is punishable by up to one year in federal prison.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and Federal Protective Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

A criminal information is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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EUGENE, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that it has filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that the owner of residential rental housing in Florence, Oregon, made discriminatory statements, preventing a foster parent from applying to rent a home, in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act.

“Under the Fair Housing Act, owners and managers of rental housing must ensure their properties are open to families with children,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our office will vigorously enforce this important civil rights protection to provide relief for families victimized and deter future discrimination.”

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Eugene, alleges that Kathie Carmer, 74, of Florence, engaged in unlawful familial status discrimination in connection with a single family home in Florence that she had advertised for rent on Craigslist. The civil complaint alleges that a prospective tenant called Carmer in November 2018 to inquire about the rental and disclosed that she was looking for a residence suitable for herself and her four foster children. Carmer then allegedly made discouraging and discriminatory comments to the prospective tenant about her intent to leave the children with a babysitter while she is working, a carpeted house not being suitable for children, and the tenant not being a good fit for the rental. Carmer did not provide the prospective tenant an opportunity to continue with a rental application.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigated this case after receiving a complaint from the prospective tenant. The department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that Defendant violated the Fair Housing Act.

The filed complaint asserts three allegations against Carmer of discrimination against families with children, based upon the findings of HUD’s investigation: (1) refusing to rent or to negotiate for the rental of the advertised property because of familial status; (2) discriminating in the terms, conditions, or privileges of the rental of a dwelling because of familial status; and (3) making discouraging and other discriminatory statements to a potential renter with children.

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, a civil penalty, and a court order barring future discrimination and harassment. While the complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct; the allegations must be proven in federal court.

The United States is being represented in this matter by Adrian Brown, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. Individuals who believe they may have been victims of familial status discrimination or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Carmer, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, are asked to contact the United States Attorney’s Office at 503-727-1000 and request to speak to the Civil Rights Coordinator.

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