Cornelius Death Investigation Concludes - 11/09/26

The Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division completed DNA comparison testing and provided results to the Washington County Violent Crimes Unit on May 25, 2026. Detectives requested the testing as part of a comprehensive investigation into the deaths of Phuong Le and her three children in Cornelius in April 2025.

Although investigators believed early in the case that Phuong Le had killed her children before taking her own life, DNA testing was conducted on evidence collected at the scene to rule out other possibilities and ensure the findings were supported by all available forensic evidence.

On November 3, 2026, the District Attorney’s Office notified the Sheriff’s Office that they completed an extensive review of the investigation and determined the findings were consistent with the detective’s findings.

With all investigative and review processes now complete, the case has been closed. The Sheriff’s Office recognizes the profound impact this tragedy had on the family, friends, and the broader community. We hope the conclusion of this investigation provides some measure of closure to those affected, and we appreciate the community’s patience as investigators worked to ensure a thorough and complete review of the evidence.

Media Release Update: Identities of Deceased Cornelius Family Released

Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit are leading the investigation into the deaths of a mother and three children found yesterday, April 8, at about 3:00 p.m. in Cornelius.

The family has been notified of their deaths, and their names are being released:

• 37-year-old Hong Phuong Le
• 7-year-old-son Thanh Tien Dam
• 5-year-old-daughter Ha Ngan Dam
• 2-year-old-daughter Viena Mai Dam

The Sheriff’s Office is in contact with the Forest Grove School District, ensuring timely communication reaches students, teachers, and personnel impacted by this tragic story.

The investigation is still in the early stages, and the release of information will be limited.

Detectives are asking for any information the community may have that could further the investigation, including personal or professional connections. If you have information about this case or a connection with the family, please contact the investigations division at 503-846-2500 and reference case number 50-25-4892. 

Investigation Underway into the Deaths of Four People in Cornelius

April 8, 2025

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 3:03 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies serving the city of Cornelius responded to a home near the 300 block of North 15th Avenue. A 911 caller reported finding four people deceased at the home.

Arriving deputies found the bodies of a 37-year-old woman and her three children, ages 2, 5, and 7. Their identities are not being released at this time. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit are assisting in the investigation, and additional information will be released later.

Investigators do not believe there is a danger to the public. If you have information about this case, please contact the WCSO Investigations Division at 503-846-2500 and reference case number 50-25-4892.

11/9/2026

**************************Note to the editors: The Sheriff and Cornelius Police Chief will be available at 3:00 p.m. to provide a brief statement at 215 SW Adams Ave. We will not be taking questions. If you have follow-up questions, you can email the PIO. We will provide a single-point plug-in for sound (mult box).

Curbside parking is available in front of the Sheriff's Office. The PIO will greet you in the lobby and take your team to the media room.  

Multiple People Arrested In Undercover Sex Trafficking Mission (Photo) - 11/04/26

On December 15, 2022, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and multiple other city agency partners conducted an online sex trafficking mission. Investigators posted online ads on known sex trafficking websites. The persons contacted undercover detectives to arrange payment for sexual acts. When they arrived to meet the undercover detectives, they were arrested and lodged at the Washington County Jail. 

The Sheriff’s Office regularly conducts undercover operations, both full-scale stings and day-to-day chats, addressing sex trafficking.

The following people were arrested for commercial sexual solicitation and booked into the Washington County Jail:

• Ian Coleman, age 26, of Beaverton
• Joseph Ostrin, age 41, of Hillsboro
• Godswill Mhlanga, age 39, of Portland
• Devin Au, age 26, of Portland
• Oscar Hernandez-Guillen, age 30, of Beaverton
• Scott Noel, age 33, of Beaverton 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Sherwood, Tigard, and Tualatin Police Departments for their assistance with the mission.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to acknowledge the Washington County Human Trafficking Task Force, which is a team comprised of local law enforcement agencies and community partners aimed at combating human trafficking in Washington County.

Testing Of Artificial Intelligence Pilot Project Leads To Further Use Approval - 11/04/26

Over the last year, a select group of deputies has evaluated the capabilities of Draft One, an artificial intelligence-powered report-writing tool, in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office.  

The evaluation was conducted in phases. During the initial phase, the pilot group used Draft One to transcribe certain misdemeanor offenses and non-criminal reports, while all deputies could transcribe the non-criminal reports. Subsequent phases expanded testing to include all misdemeanors and selected felony offenses.

The results of the pilot program have been positive, with both higher accuracy and time savings in preparing reports. Based on those results, all patrol deputies are now authorized to use Draft One to assist with report writing for both felony and misdemeanor cases.

This expanded evaluation phase began on October 22, 2026, and will continue for 90 days. At the conclusion of the phase, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office will review the program’s performance and determine use parameters.

We are grateful for the opportunity to evaluate the reporting-writing tool in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor Draft One’s use to ensure accuracy and effectiveness. 

Deputies Test 60-Day Artificial Intelligence Pilot Project for Report Writing

In early 2025, the Sheriff's Office partnered with Axon, bringing technological improvements to body-worn cameras (BWC), digital evidence storage, improved Taser support weapons, and enhanced drone capabilities for public safety.

As the Sheriff’s Office entered its partnership with Axon, it began evaluating Draft One as a report-writing tool.  Draft One aids deputies by transcribing audio captured through the BWC. The transcription is rendered using a proprietary form of AI as a concise first draft into the report-writing system for the deputy to review. Draft One has built-in safeguards, such as integrated error checkpoints that the deputy must fix, to ensure accuracy. Also, before report submission, deputies will carefully review and edit the draft report to ensure that it accurately reflects the facts of the incident.  All reports generated with the assistance of Draft One will include language documenting its use.

Starting October 1, 2025, select deputies will pilot Draft One for 60 days in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office for certain approved offenses. Deputies piloting the program can transcribe select offenses, including DUII, theft, trespassing, criminal driving while suspended, warrant arrest reports, and user-level possession of a controlled substance reports. Deputies may currently transcribe non-criminal offenses, including crash reports, mental health calls, and information-only reports.

Integrating the Draft One report writing software is intended to assist deputies in accurately documenting police reports and saving valuable time. At the end of the 60-day pilot program, senior oversight from the District Attorney's and Sheriff's Office will evaluate the viability of sustained use. Draft One is currently used by various police departments throughout the United States.

Click here for additional information regarding Draft One.

Detectives Seeking Additional Victims After Arresting Man For Stalking (Photo) - 10/30/26

On Sunday, October 18^th, 2026, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies took a report from a woman claiming she was being stalked by 36-year-old Abraham Daniel Lopez of Beaverton. During the investigation, deputies learned that Lopez had stalked the woman over several months and subjected the woman to unwanted sexual contact on several different occasions.

A detective from the Violent Crimes Unit was assigned to lead the investigation, and on October 20, 2026, Lopez was arrested. On October 28, 2026, a Washington County Grand Jury indicted Lopez on sexual abuse in the second degree (three counts) and stalking.

Lopez has worked throughout the Portland area as a photographer and may have met women through his work. Detectives believe that there are additional victims who have yet to come forward.

Anyone with information about Lopez is asked to contact the Investigations Division at 503-846-2500 and reference case number 50-26-14807.

In accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273, the Sheriff’s Office is releasing Lopez’s booking photo to assist in identifying any additional criminal activity.

K9 Griff Finds Two Suspects In Three Days (Photo) - 10/19/26

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at about 1:00 a.m., a Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop a speeding vehicle on SW 185th Avenue near SW Johnson Street in Aloha. The driver made a quick turn and darted into an apartment complex near the 3200 block of SW 185th Avenue, before going out the back entrance and into the parking lot of a church on SW 182nd Avenue.

When deputies caught up to the vehicle, they noticed the driver had fled and that two passengers remained inside. Deputies set up containment while Corporal Terry and K9 Griff began tracking the suspect. Griff located the suspect, 48-year-old Jason Clark of Banks, hiding under a staircase. Deputies arrested Clark without incident and took him to jail for attempting to elude.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, at about 9:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the Target at 12675 NW Cornell Road regarding a theft reported to dispatch by the loss prevention team. The suspect stole merchandise and left the store on foot. Corporal Terry and K9 Griff headed to the location, while arriving deputies began containing the area. Within minutes of tracking, K9 Griff located the suspect, 26-year-old Asante Baker-Green of Beaverton. Deputies arrested Baker-Green without incident and transported him to jail on charges of theft in the second degree and five outstanding warrants.

Corporal Terry and K9 Griff are among several teams that routinely support patrol operations in Washington County through tracking, searching, or detecting narcotics. K9 Griff specializes in tracking people and searching for property that contains human scent.