December 3, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today released the 2024 Multnomah County Corrections Grand Jury Report. Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 132.440 requires an annual grand jury inquiry into the condition and management of every adult and youth correctional facility in the county. These facilities are:
The court selected seven jurors to serve as the Corrections Grand Jury (CGJ). They spent over 100 hours touring facilities, receiving sworn testimony, and compiling their report. This year the CGJ focused on a wide scope of issues including staffing, facility maintenance, compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act, access to treatment and programming, meals, medical services, and safety.
“The Corrections Grand Jury is an important, independent practice that gives the community an understanding of the operations and conditions of our local correctional facilities,” said DA Schmidt. “The result is recommendations for improving the effectiveness of those facilities, while also reflecting the values and expectations of the community. I would like to thank the facility leadership and staff who assisted this year’s grand jury and to specifically recognize Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell for her commitment to transparency and to working with local, state, and federal partners to achieve health and safety goals.”
A full copy of the grand jury report, in compliance with ORS 132.440, can be obtained on the MCDA website. Sheriff Nicole Morissey O’Donnell’s response is also available.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the seven grand jurors for their dedicated efforts. Furthermore, we recognize Multnomah County Deputy District Attorneys Jeffrey Lowe and Travis Sewell for assisting and advising the CGJ.
#MCDA#
November 26, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge sentenced Teddy Wayne Hall, Sr. to 240 months for the November 2022 shooting death of Raja McCallister in southeast Portland’s Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood.
Case Facts
On November 23, 2022, Portland Police Bureau responded to reports of a shooting at the Cora Park Apartments located at 4207 SE 37th Avenue. Arriving officers located an adult male victim, Raja McCallister, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite first responders’ attempts to save his life, McCallister was declared deceased at the scene. Multiple witnesses stated that McCallister, a resident of the Cora Park Apartments, had been arguing about parking spaces with Teddy Wayne Hall Sr., the boyfriend of another resident, when Hall pulled a gun and shot McCallister four times.
Video of the incident corroborated witness accounts, showing Hall, his girlfriend, and the victim arguing in the parking lot before Hall is seen walking towards McCallister and pulling a gun out of his pocket. Hall points the gun at McCallister's side, before a muzzle flash is seen from the gun. The camera is dropped and three more shots are heard on the video. A few hours after the incident, Hall was located and taken into custody. In later interviews with law enforcement, Hall stated that despite McCallister not having any weapons, and not threatening him nor physically assaulting him, he had felt threatened and shot him four times.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorneys Aileen Santoyo and Maddie Loeb handled prosecution for the state. On November 25, 2024, Hall pled guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Judge Christopher Marshall sentenced Hall to 240 months.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office acknowledges the profound loss felt by the family and friends of Raja McCallister, and would like to thank all who contributed to the collaborative resolution of these cases, specifically Scott Broughton, MCDA Investigators Matt Estes and Anthony Merrill, and Victim Advocate Hope Hansmeyer.
November 25, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Thursday, November 21, a Multnomah County jury found Laura Marie Patterson, 48, guilty of crimes stemming from a November 2023 incident wherein she fired shots into the ceiling of the terminal of the Portland International Airport (PDX).
Case Facts
On November 14, 2023, Port of Portland Police responded to a report of gunshots at the D/E checkpoint of PDX. Witnesses to the incident reported that a woman, identified as Laura Patterson, fired two rounds into the ceiling of the D/E checkpoint with a handgun before placing the gun on the ground and awaiting arrest. At the scene, officers located Patterson who immediately admitted firing the shots and taking her into custody. Patterson told officers and detectives she shot at the lights/ceiling. One bullet struck a glass window of the ceiling causing $7,900 worth of damage and that area was under active construction and repair work that night.
In interviews with law enforcement, Patterson told detectives that she felt compelled to drive from her residence in Kennewick, Washington and come to PDX. Patterson told detectives that she fired her gun off so someone would stop her from killing family members who live out of state. Patterson denied she intended to fly out from PDX. Patterson told detectives about the routes of travel, means, and methods she would have taken to travel to kill her family members. Review of surveillance showed Patterson arrive and sit for hours in front of the ticket counters nearby the checkpoint before proceeding into the checkpoint area and shooting. Further investigation revealed Patterson was in possession of multiple changes of clothes, camping gear, cold weather gear, 100 additional rounds of ammunition for the firearm, her passport, multiple expired driver's licenses from different states belonging to Patterson, and several sets of license plates from different states registered to Patterson.
Trial & Verdict
Deputy District Attorney Anthony Dundon and Deputy District Attorney Noah Berg represented the state at trial, which took place from November 18 through November 21, 2024 in front of Judge Benjamin Souede. A jury rendered its verdict on Thursday, November 21, finding Patterson guilty of the following crimes:
Patterson remains in custody pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for December 19, 2024.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the efforts of all who contributed to the resolution of this case and our appreciation for the work of the Port of Portland Police including Det. Catherine Hartless, Det. Kit Lommen, Capt. Jeremy Hepp, Ofc. Grant Thommen, Ofc. Jack Dunteman, and Sgt. Peter Brenner, as well as MCDA victim advocate Alex Bidwell, who supported the victims throughout this process.
#MCDA#
November 22, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a Multnomah County jury found Jaylon Jamall Benjamin, 30, guilty on all counts for the October 2023 car crash that killed James and Lisa Johnson in Northeast Portland.
Case Facts
On October 28, 2023, while driving a U-Haul pick-up truck eastbound on NE Lombard, Jaylon Benjamin hit a black SUV driven by James and Lisa Johnson which was in the westbound lane attempting to turn onto 33rd Ave. Witnesses to the incident estimated the U-Haul being driven by Benjamin was driving at least 80 mph. The speed limit on Lombard is 45 mph. Both James and Lisa Johnson died at the scene due to their injuries. Despite Benjamin's claim that he was driving only 55 miles per hour, airbag control module data from the U-Haul shows he was in fact driving 100 miles per hour just two seconds before the crash, and then applied brakes one second before the crash, slowing to 80 miles per hour at the time of impact.
Trial & Verdict
Deputy District Attorneys Chris Shull and Abbie Tornquist represented the state at trial, which took place from November 18 through November 21, 2024 in front of Judge Ryan Thomas. A 12-person jury delivered the verdict yesterday, Thursday, November 21, finding Benjamin guilty on all counts. He was convicted of:
Benjamin remains in custody pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for December 19, 2024.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s office would like to acknowledge the work of all who contributed to the resolution of this case. We would like to express our appreciation for PPB Major Crash Team lead investigator Chase Fullington, as well as MCDA victim advocates Rebecca Leediker and Lyssa Simmons.
#MCDA#
November 21, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Jason Robert Steiner, 34, was arraigned on murder, attempted murder, and unlawful use of a weapon charges stemming from the October shooting at La Mota dispensary in North Portland.
Case Facts
Details of the case can be found in the Affidavit of Probable Cause.
Today, Steiner was arraigned in front of Judge Shelley Russell on the following charges:
He pleaded not guilty on all counts. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and Steiner is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
November 20, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Eric Douglas Alexander, 42, was arraigned on attempted murder, arson, stalking, and endangerment charges stemming from the prolonged harassment of a former intimate partner and the arson of the home of her employers.
Case Facts
In mid-October 2024, a friend of Alexander reported his extremely concerning threats towards a prior partner online to law enforcement. The previous partner recently moved to Portland from out of state and reported Alexander followed her to Oregon. Alexander posted on various social media platforms threatening extreme violence towards her, those around her, and women in general. Alexander continued to threaten and harass her even after she ceased communication.
On November 7, 2024, shortly after midnight, Portland Police Bureau officers were dispatched to the residence of the victim’s employer home on a report of a house fire. There were two adults and two children asleep when the fire began. All were able to safely escape the home. Following an arson investigation, it was determined the fire had been intentionally set. Later that morning, Alexander sent an email taking credit for the fire and warned the violence would not stop.
Today, Wednesday November 20, 2024, Alexander was arraigned in front of Judge Steffan Alexander on the following charges:
He pleaded not guilty on all counts. An Indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and Alexander is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Special thanks to PPB SVU Officer Huntley Miller and PPB Lieutenant Jason Andersen for their work on the investigation.
#MCDA#
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that William Sanchez Stevenson, 27, was sentenced to 90 months in prison after pleading guilty on charges related to the trafficking of controlled substances, primarily fentanyl.
Case Facts
Between June 2022 and January 2024, police caught Stevenson numerous times engaged in the sale and commercial possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Despite being under pre-trial release conditions after being released by the court, initially on his own recognizance and later after posting bail, Stevenson persisted in selling fentanyl downtown Portland.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Eric Pickard represented the state in this case. On September 27, 2024, Stevenson entered guilty pleas on the following charges:
On November 4, 2024, Stevenson was sentenced by Judge Andrew Lavin to 90 months in prison to be followed by 36 months of post-prison supervision. Stevenson had no prior convictions. He has been transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections, where he will remain for the duration of his sentence.
The dissemination of dangerous drugs into our communities is a serious and pervasive issue. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of all who contributed to the resolution of this case, and add a special note of appreciation to Portland Police Bureau Officer Eli Arnold.
#MCDA#
November 8, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Randy Craig Sturdevant, 43, was sentenced by a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge to 25 months of prison in relation to an August 2021 assault on a Tri-Met bus.
Case Facts
On August 20, 2021, a man on board a Tri-Met bus punched another passenger who was seated with her granddaughter, then began yelling at the victim and reaching for the child. The victim covered the child with her body to prevent the defendant from taking her. When the driver stopped the bus due to the disruption, the defendant got off and left the area. Tri-Met authorities shared a photo of the man with local law enforcement, who recognized and were able to positively identify him as Randy Sturdevant. On August 25, 2021, Transit Police detectives working on this case became aware that Sturdevant was in a nearby hospital, where they found him still wearing the same clothing as on the day of the incident.
Trial and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorneys Julian Samuels and Theresa Turner represented the state in this case. The trial, which took place earlier this month, concluded on October 17, 2024, when a 12-person jury returned a guilty verdict on felony assault four and two counts of interfering with public transportation. Today, Sturdevant was sentenced in front of Judge Angela Lucero to 25 months in prison. He has been transferred into the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections, where he will remain for the duration of his sentence.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes that this was a highly concerning incident and would like to express our appreciation for all who contributed to the resolution of this case. A special thank you to then-Transit Police Detective and now MCSO Captain Lance Hemsworth, Probation Officer Molly Seel, and MCDA Victim Advocate Alex Bidwell.
#MCDA#
November 6, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Christopher Norwood Young, 35, was sentenced to 81 months in prison after pleading guilty on charges related to operating a chop shop, which was discovered during a multi-agency Stolen Vehicle Operation.
Case Facts
In May 2023, officers from PPB’s Stolen Vehicle Operation attempted to stop a vehicle displaying a fraudulent trip permit. The driver refused to stop and fled the scene but was later located in the 16600 Block of Northeast Wasco Street, in Gresham. During the initial investigation of the scene, multiple other vehicles that were either confirmed or suspected to be stolen were discovered. There were tools for disassembling vehicles and altering VIN numbers found at the location, and upon the execution of a warrant, seven additional confirmed stolen vehicles and several other suspected stolen vehicles were recovered. The operation also yielded the seizure of six firearms and two homemade suppressors.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm represented the state in this case. Over the course of several months, a plea was negotiated that resulted in Young pleading guilty to 14 counts with which he had been charged, resolving three criminal cases: 23CR23687, 24CR15291, and 23CR28078. Young ultimately pled guilty to the following.
The resolution of this case is a prime example of the effective multi-agency collaboration of the Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF). Our office remains committed to the use of the ATTF’s evidence-based, data-driven practices and we would like to express our appreciation for all who played a part. A special note of appreciation to Portland Police Bureau’s Stolen Vehicle Operation, PPB Detective Jordan Zaitz, Gresham Police Department, and Port of Portland Police, who all contributed to the resolution of these cases.
*Original Message (4/1/2024)*
Christopher Young Indicted on Auto Theft Charges
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a grand jury indicted Christopher Norwood Young, 35, on four charges related to auto theft. Young was identified as a person of interest by the DA’s Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF) after he was arrested during a May 2023 Stolen Vehicle Operation.
Case Facts
On March 23, 2024, the ATTF issued a BOLO flyer to law enforcement regarding Young and his possession of a possible stolen vehicle. An officer with the Gresham Police Department (GPD) who received the flyer located the suspect vehicle that same day and determined that it was, more likely than not, stolen. The officer arrested and booked Young at the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges related to the stolen vehicle; he was transferred to custody in Clackamas County on pending DV-related charges out of Molalla.
Indictment
Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm is the lead for the ATTF. Upon review of the evidence, DDA Linderholm presented the case to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on March 29, 2024. Young was indicted on the following charges:
Young also has two open cases in Multnomah County where he is facing 52 charges, including auto theft, identity theft, reckless endangerment, and firearms-related charges. In addition, he faces four DV-related charges out of Clackamas County. He is currently in custody in Clackamas County.
The DA’s Office would like to thank the officers with the Portland Police Bureau, GPD, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and Molalla Police Department who have assisted with this case.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Young is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
November 6, 2024
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Levi Denison, 30, was sentenced yesterday by a Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge to 120 months prison in relation to numerous incidents across seven cases occurring between 2022 and 2024.
Plea and Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Anthony Dundon and Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm represented the State in these matters. A global resolution was negotiated over the course of months, and on September 27, 2024, Denison entered pleas of guilty to resolve various pending criminal cases against him.
Collectively, Denison pleaded guilty to charges of:
Yesterday, the Honorable Judge Skye sentenced Denison to 120 months prison in the Oregon Dept. of Corrections, pursuant to the plea negotiations. Denison will be subject to 3 years of post-prison supervision upon release.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the effect of such offending on both individuals and businesses and would like to express our sincere appreciation for all who contributed to the resolution of these cases. Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office wishes to extend a special acknowledgment to the detectives and patrol officers of the Port of Portland Police, Portland Police Bureau, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and our partners in Federal law enforcement.
*Original Message (10/6/23)*
Grand Jury Indicts Two Car Thieves on Multiple Charges from East Portland and Portland Airport
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced multiple recent grand jury indictments stemming from stolen car activity in East Portland and near the Portland International Airport. The District Attorney’s Office worked with the Portland Police Bureau and the Port of Portland Police on issuing charges against two individuals for multiple counts of criminal behavior: Jessie Garza III, 30, and Levi Mitchell Denison, 29. A summary of the relevant cases, which are being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Tony Dundon, are as follows.
Defendant Jessie Garza
Indictment 1
On June 19, 2023, a Port of Portland police officer responded to the Portland Airport Rental Car Center to meet a couple who reported their car, an Audi, was stolen from the long-term parking garage. CCTV footage revealed that someone had taken their car and crashed through the tollgate without stopping to exit the garage. The same footage showed another vehicle with no front plate approach the gate just prior to the crash. The driver, later identified as Garza, preemptively ducked his face down and paid for parking.
On July 11, the owner of the stolen Audi contacted Port of Portland Police and reported that he had received a ticket for a photo radar speeding violation on June 18. Five photographs showed the driver of the vehicle to be Jessie Garza. The speeding event occurred approximately six hours after the theft and breaking through of the toll gate at PDX.
On July 18, PPB Officers notified Port of Portland Police that Garza was at the PPB East Precinct. Port of Portland police arrived and interviewed Garza, who admitted to stealing cars and using methamphetamine. Garza was booked into custody. In between the initial report of the stolen Audi and Garza’s arrest on July 18, law enforcement determined that he had stolen multiple other vehicles.
The case was presented to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on August 29 for the following charges:
Indictment 2
On July 18, 2023, PPB spoke with a Free2Move fleet regarding tracking of stolen vehicles from the Free2Move fleet (Free2Move is a commercial ride sharing business). An officer was alerted that a listed stolen vehicle was tracking at 2346-2404 SE 162nd. Officers responded to 162nd and Division and observed a Jeep with plates matching the stolen vehicle’s plates; an outline of the Free2Move stickers was visible on the vehicle but they had been removed. Officers observed movement inside the vehicle and discovered Jessie Garza sitting in the driver's seat. Officers noted that the driver's window was broken out and there was glass on the driver's side floorboard. They also discovered a set of brass knuckles in Garza’s pocket and a handgun, a cut-down shotgun, and methamphetamine in the car; they later found a set of jiggle keys in his property.
The case was presented to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on August 9 for the following charges:
Defendant Levi Denison
Indictment 1
On August 15, 2023, PPB received a call from POPPD advising of a reported white Audi having been stolen from a driveway while the owner was out of town. PPB officers spoke with the owner of the Audi by phone, who reported that the vehicle was stolen on August 12 and who shared Ring camera video with the officer. The video showed a black Audi pull into the driveway, a man get out of the driver’s seat, smash the window of the victim’s white Audi, and drive away in it. A female then got out of the rear passenger seat of the black Audi, went into the driver’s seat, and drove away. Officers recognized the suspect as Levi Denison. On reports that the vehicle was located, officers responded to SE 102nd and Martins Street, where they found the white Audi. Denison was arrested the same day and booked into custody.
The case was presented to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on August 24 for the following charges:
Indictment 2
On July 5, 2023, PPB responded to RTS Motors regarding a stolen 2011 Silver Ford F150 Raptor Pickup Truck. Roman indicated that on July 3, an individual test-drove and never returned the truck; Roman provided security footage. When running the Oregon Driver’s License number the individual gave in order to test-drive the truck, it came back “unable to locate,” and the name on the ID came back to a different person. A dragnet flyer was generated and two PPB officers recognized the suspect as Levi Denison from prior contacts and knowledge. The truck was recovered unoccupied at 2608 NE 68th Avenue.
At the same time that Denison was being interviewed for the August 12th stolen Audi case, officers questioned him about this case. Denison denied involvement.
The case was presented to a grand jury, which returned a true bill of indictment on August 24 for the following charges:
Denison is currently in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center.
A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime. Both Garza and Denison are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#