Salem-News.com Crime articles

Identity Thief from Nevada Sentenced to Four Years

Reno Man Stole Multiple Identities, Millions of Dollars

(FBI/Reno, NV) - When police searched a suspected identity thief’s office last year in Reno, Nevada, they hit the investigative equivalent of pay dirt—the crime in progress, right before their eyes.

There was no one working in the office, but eight computers were running an automatic script to open up online accounts using the names and identifying information the thief had stolen from his employer years earlier.

Open Letter to Pope Francis About Sexual Abuse in the Church

I am standing in solidarity with the victims in Pennsylvania.

(DALLAS/FORT WORTH) - The thousands of voices raised is only a small fraction of what I am guessing are the MILLIONS who have suffered this fate, yet remain quiet for personal reasons or out of shame. Wearing robes, burning incense, genuflecting and absolving people of sins does not make it "open season" on gentle young souls trying to create a spiritual connection with God.

It is not ok, was not ok, and never will be ok for the strong to take advantage of the humble.

Portland Man Arrested for 31-Count Sex Crimes Indictment

Luring a minor and encouraging child sexual abuse in the first, & second degrees are some of the charges looming against the accused.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that a secret indictment filed against 52-year-old Randy Shefstad was unsealed.

The indictment alleges the defendant used graphic and sexually charged language to electronically communicate with four separate minor victims – in four different states – in 2017 and 2018 for the purposes of sexual gratification.

Murder of Michael Francke: Focus of Film and Fundraiser for Englewood Forest Festival

Many insiders believe the man convicted in the murder, Frank Gable, was a patsy.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Englewood Forest Festival, a summer arts festival at Englewood Park in Salem, Oregon is presenting “Without Evidence”, a film about the murder that occurred near the park in January of 1989.

The location was in the neighborhood at the Dome Building – office of the Department of Corrections, 7 blocks away from the park, and the victim was Michael Francke, the Director of the Oregon Dept. of Corrections.

5 Important Insights for Hiring the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer

Your very freedom may be on the line.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Let’s get real; bad things can happen to good people. Despite the charges and circumstances that led to it, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney standing beside you in the courtroom. Following, we are sharing some insights on how to hire a reputed and capable defense attorney.

The starting point of any legal battery is initial consultation, aka the process of finding a criminal defense lawyer. Many companies offer free initial consultation. No, this is not a favor, instead it is standard practice for reputed and established law firms.

FBI Cracks Child Sexual Exploitation Ring

Collaborative Law Enforcement Efforts Dismantle Conspiracy

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - In late 2015 through early 2016, vulnerable girls as young as 14 and 16 were being exploited as part of a sex trafficking ring run by a group of conspirators in Ohio and Indiana.

But thanks to a joint law enforcement effort conducted by the FBI-led Toledo Child Exploitation Task Force, the ringleader of the conspiracy as well as the other six participants were eventually brought to justice and sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms.

How to Avoid Moving to a High Crime Area

Do some simple research and you won't end up in a crime hotspot

(SALEM, Ore.) - If you are moving, maybe to your very first property, you have an exciting new chapter in your life ahead of you. This can be a very exciting time and one that can be a wonderful experience – as long as you move to the right area.

Many people move to their new property with high hopes for the future only to find that they have stepped into some sort of war zone because of the high levels of crime in the area.

FBI Integral Force to Stop Human Trafficking

FBI Works with Partners to Get Traffickers Off the Streets

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Jaboree Williams was a pimp and drug dealer who brutally abused and psychologically tortured his victims. And thanks to the joint efforts of the FBI and local law enforcement, he will spend the next 30 years in federal prison.

“He preyed on vulnerable women who were having difficult times in their lives.”

When Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If your situation requires legal attention, find a talented, committed legal team.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Life is full of unexpected events that have unintended consequences. Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law can be a terrifying experience if you are unprepared to handle the situation.

Fortunately, there are legal professionals available to assist you with any representation you may need.

Polk County Grand Jury Unanimously Finds Officer Involved Shooting Justified

"...use of deadly force was lawful and justified"

(DALLAS, Ore.) - On Tuesday, a Polk County Grand Jury unanimously found that Polk County Sheriff's Sergeant Kevin Haynes and Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Kelly Lorence were justified in using deadly force when they shot and killed 17-year old Baltazar Escalona-Baez, of Silverton, on the morning of October 28, 2017.

...Escalona-Baez, still within arm's reach of Haynes, turned around and advanced directly towards Haynes, pointing the knife towards him. Haynes then shot Escalona-Baez twice.