Oregon Man Charged With Federal Kidnapping Offense After Missing Child Located By Law Enforcement (Photo) - 11/03/26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2026
Oregon Man Charged with Federal Kidnapping Offense After Missing Child Located by Law Enforcement
PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that Vince Edgar Chavez, 36, of Oregon City, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with kidnapping a minor.
According to the complaint, during the early morning hours of October 28, 2026, a 10‑year‑old child was reported missing from her home in Clackamas County. Responding officers discovered signs the child had been taken and immediately initiated a multi‑agency search. Through interviews, investigative leads, and prior contacts, law enforcement identified Chavez as a person of interest.
“The speed with which this child was found is the result of extraordinary teamwork and relentless determination by law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford. “When a child is taken, we act immediately—and we do not stop until that child is safe and the offender is brought to justice.”
Investigators obtained emergency cellular records due to the immediate threat to life. Analysis by the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST), combined with a grid search by the Oregon City Police Department, directed officers to a residence on Pleasant Avenue in Oregon City. A white van associated with Chavez was located nearby.
At approximately 1:46 p.m., FBI agents observed Chavez accessing the vehicle and returning to the residence. Based on probable cause and the risk to the missing child, law enforcement executed an exigent entry into the home. Inside, officers located the child concealed in a bedroom and safely recovered her. Chavez was taken into custody at the scene.
The child was transported for medical evaluation. Other individuals present in the residence were interviewed and indicated they had no knowledge of the child’s presence in the home.
The affidavit further alleges that Chavez transported the child by vehicle across multiple jurisdictions, using public roadways and a cellphone in furtherance of the offense—factors that establish federal jurisdiction under the kidnapping statute.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office, the Oregon City Police Department, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, and other local law enforcement partners. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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