HILLSBORO, Ore- On September 4, 2024, Richard Dale Warren, age 69, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. On September 10, 2024, Washington County Circuit Court Judge Brandon Thompson sentenced the defendant to a total of 20 years in prison and ordered he serve post-prison supervision for a period of ten years. Deputy District Attorney Rayney Meisel prosecuted this case.
In March of 2022, the Washington County Sheriff's Office received a report of sexual abuse committed by the defendant. The victim reported the defendant sexually assaulted her multiple times over a one-year period. Mr. Warren threatened to rape and kill her loved ones if she ever told anyone about his actions. Despite these threats, the victim summoned the courage to confide in a family member who then alerted law enforcement.
During this investigation, detectives learned Mr. Warren has also abused other victims in other states, beginning in the 1980s. The defendant told a family member he was considering murdering one of his prior victims to prevent her from reporting the abuse. That victim, now in her 50’s, confirmed the past abuse to police. She never disclosed the abuse out of fear. When detectives spoke to Mr. Warren, he admitted to historic abuse of multiple victims. He told investigators that he periodically harassed and taunted one victim by sending her sexually explicit photos and messages reminding her of his abuse. He also bragged to her that he would never be held accountable for his actions and told police he had moved to Oregon to avoid arrest.
“Sexually abusing these girls wasn’t enough for him. He took pleasure in inflicting fear and pain both during the abuse and for years after,” DDA Meisel said.
At sentencing, the victim’s mother read a statement prepared by the child victim. In it, she told the defendant that she would not be defined by his actions. She emphasized that through work with her trauma therapist, she has found a way to survive and will go on to graduate high school and college and live happily, despite what he did to her.
Authorities have reason to believe that there may be other victims. Anyone with information about additional crimes committed by the defendant should contact law enforcement.
The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to praise the victim in this case for the bravery shown in reporting the defendant and enduring the legal process. This office also acknowledges the work of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and CARES Northwest.
Mr. Warren will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.