Salem-News.com Prison articles

Inmate Walkaway from FCI Sheridan`s Satellite Camp

If you have information about Ricardo Vizcarra,
contact the United States Marshals Service at (503)326-2209.

(SHERIDAN, Ore.) - Inmate Ricardo Barraza Vizcarra was discovered missing from the satellite camp on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at approximately 3:25 p.m.

Ricardo Barraza Vizcarra is a 27-year-old White male with black hair, brown eyes, is 5’8” tall, and weighs about 180 pounds.

Governor Kate Brown Commutes Oregon`s Death Row

Sentences commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole

(SALEM, Ore.) - Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will use her executive clemency powers to commute the sentences of the 17 individuals on Oregon’s death row to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

"Today I am commuting all death sentences in Oregon to life without parole, so we no longer have anyone facing execution here."

President Biden Pardons or Commutes Sentences for 78 Non-Violent Offenders

These are the first commutations that the President has granted.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - For some, they thought this day would not come. Others are disappointed it has taken so long. So many are still waiting. Those on this list are simply thankful to know there is a light at the end of their seemingly endless tunnel.

78 Non-Violent drug offenders, most currently serving time in America's vast prison complex, are facing something new: freedom.

DA Mike Schmidt Testifies in Support of Ending Mandatory Minimum Sentences

"Ballot Measure 11 was born during an era when many now misguided practices were ascendant in the criminal justice system."

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt testified in support of Oregon Senate Bill 401, which would convert mandatory minimum sentences for specified felonies other than murder to presumptive sentences.

“Senate Bill 401... simply returns control over sentencing to judges."

Trump Pardons 73 Individuals and Commutes 70 Sentences

The 45th President made memorable decisions on his last full day of work.

(SALEM, Ore.) - On the last evening of the Presidency of Donald J. Trump, he granted pardons to 73 individuals and commuted the sentences of 70, changing their lives forever.

Here is the list so many have been waiting for, via the Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding Executive Grants of Clemency:

Letter to Chinese Government Asking for Release of 40 Workers

As of today, more than 40 people are still under criminal detention for simply "gathering together".

(YORK, UK) - I am writing to you and your government on behalf of Salem-News.com to strongly condemn the arrests and criminal detentions of some 40 workers, labour rights activists, and their supporters from 2018 to 2019.

In the summer of 2018, workers in Southern China, were dismissed for organizing their own trade union and were later criminally detained by government officials on charges of "Gathering a Crowd to Disturb Social Order".

Salem Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Dealing Meth and Cockfighting

Aispuro’s ranch in Scio, Oregon revealed more 200 roosters being raised and trained for fighting.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Arturo Aispuro, of Salem, Oregon, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison and 5 years’ of supervised release for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. He also received a concurrent sentence of 60 months for abusing hundreds of roosters.

Aispuro was a member of a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in and around Salem. In April 2017, with the assistance of a co-conspirator, Aispuro sold 882 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Milwaukie, Oregon. In May 2017, law enforcement intercepted Aispuro while he was transporting 442 more grams of meth for distribution.

Salem Cop One of The Mac Men Arrested for Burglary

Two men, including an off-duty Salem Police officer, have been charged with multiple felonies.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Cardenas is charged with two counts of aggravated theft in the first degree, four counts of burglary in the second degree and one count of unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

Thayres is charged with one count of theft in the first degree and one count of unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Seth Thayres is a police officer with the City of Salem, and has been for six years.

Carlton Man Suspected Serial Sexual Predator

Bail is $2.5 million for 32 felony counts, nearly all sex crimes.

(YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore.) - 52-year old Robert Koester's residence and outbuildings were used as photography studios, in the 16000 block of NW Meadowlake Road in rural Carlton.

Koester, who has also used the names “Bert Kay”, “Rhake Winter” and “Qitooly”, was arrested by the Carlsbad Police Department on November 13, 2018 on sex related crimes under California criminal code.

Oregon Man Receives 6.5 Years in Prison for Child Porn

"Alarming": Michael Miner uploaded child pornography to social media and a cloud-based network.

(MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore.) - Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 39-year-old Michael Scott Miner received a six and a half year prison sentence for being in possession of child pornography.

During this investigation, law enforcement learned that the defendant used his smartphone to search for, download and duplicate numerous child pornography photos and videos.