HILLSBORO, Ore.- A collaboration of criminal justice partners in Washington County has developed an innovative way to clear a large backlog of criminal cases caused by COVID-19 restricted court operations ordered by the Oregon Chief Justice and Washington County Presiding Judge in March of 2020. These partners include the Washington County Circuit Court, Washington County District Attorney’s Office, criminal defense bar, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Board of Commissioners and multiple county departments.

On Wednesday, October 14, the Washington County Circuit Court began hearing cases at the Wingspan Event & Conference Center located at Westside Commons, formerly known as the Washington County Fairgrounds. In cooperation with the Washington County Board of Commissioners, the Washington County Circuit Court and our local criminal justice system is benefiting from CARES Act federal funding which has been used to create two socially distanced temporary courtrooms, dubbed “Wingspan Court.”  This marks the first official event held at the brand-new facility, which has been closed due to COVID-19.

This effort seeks to clear a backlog of more than 600 lower-level felony and misdemeanor criminal cases that have been delayed over the past six months due to COVID-19 court restricted operations. In the first eight days of operation at “Wingspan Court,” prosecutors with the district attorney’s office, working collaboratively with defense attorneys and the court, were able to resolve 123 cases.

“I’m proud of the work done not only by my staff, but also all of our partners in the court, defense bar, sheriff’s office and Washington County. This is a good example of taxpayer resources being put to good use in the interest of public safety and efficiency,” said Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton.

“This effort is the result of strong collaboration with our criminal justice partners. While we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, Wingspan Court is a creative and safe way to clean up our backlogged cases.  I’m confident, as we move forward, the court will continue to ensure our justice system provides these essential services to our community,” said Washington County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Beth Roberts.

“I’m extremely pleased that we’ve been able to work with Washington County’s Justice Services partners to meet this critical community need through the “Wingspan Court”. By utilizing this available space, we’re not only addressing the rights of defendants to a “speedy trial” during the coronavirus pandemic but also improving our response time for crime victims who are seeking justice and resolution,” said Washington County Board Chair Kathryn Harrington.

While this innovative approach is effective, it is only a temporary solution to an ongoing problem. Federal CARES Act money expires at the end of this year. Additionally, the Washington County Circuit Court has been operating at full capacity for several years and state funding has not kept up with our growing population.

To arrange a media tour of the new court, contact Stephen Mayer: Stephen_Mayer@co.washington.or.us.

HILLSBORO, Ore.- As previously reported, a police use-of force incident occurred on October 7, 2020 in Forest Grove, Oregon.  The incident is being investigated by the Washington County Major Crimes Team (MCT).

The MCT is tasked with investigating both homicides and incidents involving police use of deadly force.  The October 7th incident, while not a clear case of either homicide or deadly force, did result in a person’s hospitalization.  In an abundance of caution District Attorney Kevin Barton authorized activation of the MCT to ensure that the incident would be thoroughly and transparently investigated.  Sadly, two days after the incident, the subject involved in the case passed away.

The investigation is ongoing.  All of the police officers involved in the incident were wearing body worn cameras, and that footage is being analyzed.  Other investigative tasks are in the process of being completed by detectives from Hillsboro Police, Tualatin Police, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.  Chief Deputy DA Jeff Lesowski is working closely with the detectives.

While no final determinations have been made, the following details are clear and can be released.  The incident happened after a citizen 911 caller reported that a man was causing a disturbance with a flagpole in a residential neighborhood.  Forest Grove officers contacted James Marshall, age 44, in the breezeway outside St. Anthony’s church just after midnight.  Mr. Marshall was verbally hostile and made aggressive movements towards the officers with the 10-foot long pole.  He also attempted to break windows of the church.  When an officer attempted to detain him, Mr. Marshall punched the officer in the face.  After being taken to the ground, Mr. Marshall resisted arrest for several minutes.  During the first part of the struggle, Mr. Marshall attempted to take hold of an officer’s Tazer, which discharged.  This discharge appears to have been inadvertent, and one probe struck Mr. Marshall’s arm.  Later in the struggle an officer did discharge his Tazer into Mr. Marshall’s back, in an effort to stop the ongoing resistance.  The active struggle then continued.  Eventually, Mr. Marshall stopped breathing.  Mr. Marshall did not stop breathing immediately after being Tazed.  As soon as his medical distress was apparent, police began immediate lifesaving efforts and paramedics arrived less than one minute later.  Mr. Marshall was transported to Tuality Hospital in Hillsboro, where he later passed away on Friday, October 9th.

An autopsy was conducted on Sunday, October 11th at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s office pursuant to ORS 146.117.  The Medical Examiner’s determination of the specific cause of death is pending the results of toxicology testing.  Preliminary investigation, however, has indicated that Mr. Marshall had underlying health conditions and had used methamphetamine prior to the incident.  Preliminary analysis of the body worn camera footage shows that the police officers violated no laws, did not act in an assaultive manner and did not do anything that would directly explain Mr. Marshall’s medical crisis.

Further information will be released upon completion of the investigation.

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On September 23, 2020, Judge Eric Buchér sentenced Jordan Adam Rosas to two years in prison after a Washington County jury found the defendant guilty of unlawful delivery and possession of heroin (substantial quantity), unlawful delivery and possession of cocaine, unlawful delivery and possession of Fentanyl, unlawful delivery and possession of alprazolam (Xanax), and giving false information to a police officer. Deputy District Attorney Mitchell Diesko prosecuted the case against Mr. Rosas.

Beaverton police pulled over Mr. Rosas on June 8, 2020 after they observed him speeding along Highway 26. Officers immediately noticed that Mr. Rosas appeared very nervous as they began to speak with him. He gave police a false name and initially refused to exit the vehicle. Eventually, Mr. Rosas gave police his true name and admitted he had drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

Police searched Mr. Rosas’ vehicle and found more than 21 grams of heroin, dealer amounts of cocaine and dozens of prescription pills. They also discovered a digital scale, 50 plastic baggies and multiple pieces of identification which didn’t belong to the defendant.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to acknowledge the work of the Beaverton Police Department on this case.

Mr. Rosas will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On September 22, 2020, Judge Oscar Garcia sentenced Hugo Alexis Zaldana-Mendoza to 100 months in prison. On September 17, 2020, a Washington County jury found Mr. Zaldana-Mendoza guilty of first-degree burglary, first-degree sex abuse and first-degree sexual penetration. Senior Deputy District Attorney Allison Brown prosecuted the case against the defendant. A jury originally convicted the defendant in 2015, but the case was reversed by the Oregon Court of Appeals and sent back to the Washington County Circuit Court for a new trial.

In the early morning hours of June 1, 2015, the victim awoke suddenly to the sound of a barking dog. She then spotted the defendant as he walked into her room and sat on her bed. She immediately recognized the defendant as a neighbor from her same apartment complex. The defendant did not have permission to enter the victim’s home.

The defendant then sexually assaulted the victim. The victim’s young son began to cry, and she used this as an opportunity to escape the bedroom. She then locked herself and her son in the bathroom for more than ten minutes. She then exited the bathroom and ordered the defendant to leave her home upon realizing he was still inside. She immediately called police after he left.

Beaverton police responded and spotted the defendant in the apartment complex. He admitted to detectives that he had climbed up to the victim’s second-floor balcony to gain entrance to her apartment. He then claimed that the sexual contact had been consensual.

This office wishes to acknowledge the bravery of the victim in reporting the crimes committed by the defendant. This office also wishes to thank the Beaverton Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory for their work on this case. The defendant will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to resume serving his sentence.

HILLSBORO, Ore.- The Washington County District Attorney’s Office will be conducting limited operations Wednesday, September 16 due to poor air quality. If you were expected to appear in our office you will be contacted to reschedule. 

Please protect your health by staying indoors as much as possible. Check our website and social media pages for additional updates.

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On August 25, 2020, a Washington County jury found Ruben Serrano-Garcia guilty on one count of first-degree sexual abuse. Senior Deputy District Attorney Andy Pulver prosecuted the case before Judge Erik Buchér.

In April of 2019, the victim reported to a school counselor that he had been sexually abused by the defendant over a course of several years. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation and found the allegations credible. Detectives later interviewed the defendant. He acknowledged a historical incident in which the victim had accused him of inappropriate touching. The defendant said he was intoxicated at the time and unsure if the touching had occurred. He denied the remaining allegations.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to acknowledge the bravery shown by the victim in reporting the abuse. This office also wishes to thank the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the staff of CARES Northwest for their work on this case.

A sentencing hearing is set for November 5, 2020. The defendant will remain in custody until that time.