***The following statement is sent on behalf of the Building Bridges of Understanding In Our Communities Coalition***
TIGARD, Ore- On behalf of the steering committee of the Building Bridges of Understanding initiative, we reject all forms of political violence and extremism. Disagreements and debates are a critical part of our American democracy, but threats and violence are not. We are committed to building a community focused on collaboration, mutual respect, and peaceful dialogue.
“We are challenged by the polarizing political moment we are in and now, more than ever, we must come together, reject all forms of violence and as a community, strive to model civility,” said Suzanne Hayden, 2024 Co-Chair of the Building Bridges Executive Committee.
“Political violence is never appropriate in our American democracy,” said Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton. “In 2016, a diverse group of local civic and community leaders came together to establish the Building Bridges initiative to promote dialogue and mutual respect. Recent events, including polarizing political rhetoric and violence, demonstrate the critical importance of our efforts.”
We take this opportunity to invite the community to attend our 9th annual gathering on October 30, 2024. Registration is available on our website.
About Building Bridges of Understanding:
Building Bridges is the collaborative effort of the Muslim Educational Trust, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations to examine and understand the racial and ethnic disparities that exist in our communities and explore ways to remove them.
For more information visit www.buildingbridgesoregon.org. Media interviews can also be requested by contacting Stephen Mayer at Stephen_Mayer@washingtoncountyor.gov.
HILLSBORO, Ore- On June 28, 2024, a Washington County jury found Wilfredo Aguilar-Pineda, age 33, guilty of two counts of Rape in the First Degree (Jessica’s Law), Sodomy in the First Degree (Jessica’s Law), two counts of Rape in the Second Degree, two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and two counts of Luring a Minor. On July 8, 2024, Judge Erik Buchér sentenced the defendant to 50 years in prison. Senior Deputy District Attorney Andy Pulver prosecuted this case.
The defendant began sexually abusing the victim in this case when she was a young child. The abuse continued over a period of several years and took place in several different jurisdictions. In 2022, occupants of the victim’s residence walked in on the defendant and victim under a set of blankets in bed. The victim disclosed the abuse to a family member later that evening. A mandatory reporter learned of the disclosure and alerted the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). Hillsboro police launched an investigation. The victim met with medical experts at CARES Northwest where she provided a detailed description of the abuse she suffered at the hands of the defendant.
The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to acknowledge the bravery of the victim in reporting this abuse. This office also thanks ODHS, the Hillsboro Police Department, and CARES Northwest for their work on this case.
Mr. Aguilar-Pineda will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.