The Oregon Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) is patting herself on the back for her part in the negotiations while the public scratch their heads in disbelief. One Senator broke ranks, Senator Lynn Finley (R-E. Counties), and returned to the Senate floor to meet the quorum requirement. They are claiming the walkout produced victory with the main points of negotiations being:

• Agreed to fully comply with the readability law.
• Protects parental rights by striking large portions of House Bill 2002 and Senate Joint Resolution 33 in its entirety.
• Defends the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners by striking large portions of House Bill 2005 and all of Senate Bill 348 and Senate Bill 393.
• Prioritizes legislation that will exempt small farming, ranching, and timber families from the Oregon Estate Tax. (Senate Bill 498)
• Give impeachment power of statewide elected Executive Branch officials to the House of Representatives, and the power to try impeachments in the Senate. Oregon is currently the only state in the nation without such a procedure. (House Joint Resolution 16)
• Ensures that bill summaries will be redrafted to comply with House Rules, Senate Rules, Oregon statute, and the Oregon Constitution.

Senator Lynn Finley stated, “These are major victories for accountability, accessibility, and civil rights. They do not come freely. Republicans and Independents have potentially sacrificed our careers to protect Oregonians. The Senate Democrats made sure that most of us got more than 10 unexcused absences. Because of Measure 113 this will question our eligibility for future elections. Democrats thought we would value holding office over principle. They were wrong.”

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“Today is a victory for Oregonian’s parental rights and law-abiding gun owners. After months of being promised a bipartisan session, Democrats chose to prioritize a partisan and extreme agenda. Republicans held the line and were able to amend the worst parts of House Bill 2002 and the Democrats Omnibus Gun Bill, House Bill 2005. I appreciated working with Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp throughout this process to ensure better outcomes for all Oregonians,” said Breese-Iverson.

The primary bills at the core of the walkout are HB 2002 and HB 2005. Both bills were passed back to committee, amended without public hearing and a partisan vote, and passed back to the floor for a vote all in one day.

It is disturbing to most to see that gender-affirming care information was left in HB 2002, but the amendment does bring back the original statute language requiring it to be a crime for concealing the birth of an infant, and allowing a minor the right to needed medical or dental treatment without consent of minor or parent eliminating gender-affirming treatments. However, the controversial section allowing a minor of any age to receive reproductive health care (abortion) information and services is still in the bill (Section 8 (3)). Reproductive health services at college student health centers, the pilot project in rural areas, and the OHA education programs were removed, cutting the cost of the bill to a minimal expense to the state. However, a number of provisions will dramatically affect the cost of health insurance premiums, including gender-affirming treatment retained as a covered benefit, protection for providers covered by malpractice insurance for reproductive or gender-affirming services. Protects out-of-state individual seeking reproductive health care (abortion) or gender-affirming treatment in Oregon.

Revisions to HB 2005 are not so clear. The bill still requires a manufacture number, or privately made firearm (PMF) to have a serial number, which isn’t clear the time frame allowed to obtain a number once made. By requiring a serial number, it is prohibiting “ghost guns.” The bill repeatedly references 27 C.F.R. 478.12 and other federal regulations. It removes the requirement to be age 21 to own a firearm reverting back to age 18. It also removes the requirement to have a firearm unloaded and locked in the trunk when parking near a public building, and removes provision for local governing bodies to regulate carry requirements. It appropriates $356,816 to the Department of State Police to enforce the many penalties added in the bill.

Both bills have an “emergency clause” added to prevent the public from passing an initiative overriding the statute. The means for opposition are lawsuit if grounds are unconstitutional, or elect legislators that will repeal the laws.

Meanwhile, with all the attention focused on those two bills, other bills that will negatively impact Oregonians will now pass on party line votes during the remaining few days of the session because the Senate returned.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-06-15 14:54:23

Last Update: 2023-06-15 18:43:20

Lieutenant James Coley has been named as the chief of police of the City of Cornelius, Oregon. Lieutenant Coley’s first day as the city’s chief of police will be July 1, 2023. Lieutenant Coley will be the 12th police chief for the City of Cornelius.

Lieutenant Coley has been a public servant for 32 years, having served in police, fire, and emergency medical services. He began his career at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in 1996. He holds a Master of Communication Management from the University of Southern California.

Before promoting back to the patrol division as a lieutenant in January 2021, he was a property crimes detective and arson investigator for 14 years. Currently, he is the team commander for the Houseless Outreach Programs and Engagement (HOPE), Sheriff’s Posse, and K9 teams.

Additionally, Lieutenant Coley is one of the team commanders for the Tactical Negotiations Team (SWAT) and a member of the Latino Advisory Commission.

Lieutenant Coley served in the Army and Air Force as a combat, flight medic, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD/bomb disposal) technician.

He retired from the military as a chief master sergeant (E9) after nearly 23 years of service. Lieutenant Coley deployed six times during his tenure and served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zone locations.

In 2000, Lieutenant Coley was hand-selected to support the United States Secret Service in protecting President George W. Bush at his private home in Crawford, Texas. In 2008, he was decorated six times, including a Bronze Star Medal for leading 876 combat missions in Iraq.

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According to Cornelius City Manager Peter Brandom, “Lieutenant Coley has the experience, leadership, and passion for service to lead our police department in service to our dynamic community. He will carry on the strong community leadership that Chief Ray and our recent prior chiefs have established. We thank Chief Ray for his two and a half years of service to our community.”

Lieutenant Coley will replace current Cornelius Police Chief Bob Ray, who will be returning to the Sheriff’s Office Command Team. Chief Ray has served as Cornelius police chief since January 2021.

The City of Cornelius Police Department was established in 1953. In 2014, the City contracted police services to the Sheriff’s Office. The contract was renewed in 2022.

The Department serves over 14,000 residents with 13 police employees, patrolling an area of 2.4 square miles.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-06-15 09:18:09

Last Update: 2023-06-15 17:33:41

The Oregon Legislative House is rapidly fueling the fire brewing in the Senate. House Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) referred his one paragraph bill, HB 3409, to Ways and Means with the intent to amend it in a joint committee. It short cuts the process with only one public hearing, then goes straight to the House floor then Senate floor for a vote.

The public had one day to be aware of a hearing on the one paragraph bill, not realizing a 112-page amendment would be posted less than two hours before the hearing by Speaker Rayfield. A bicameral legislative workgroup recommended changes and their supporters had inside information to submit testimony in support of their work. But the general public remained in the dark.

April McDonald, Legislative Fiscal Office, writes, “The measure includes provisions from 14 bills which were introduced to address climate issues through an equitable, community-focused approach, while maximizing Oregon’s federal funding opportunities. The programs supported by HB 3409 cover a wide breadth of climate-related initiatives.”

The amended bill includes approximately $45 million General Funds plus $15 million Other Funds and $0.1 million Federal Funds. The bill provides for grants for emergency hubs and green infrastructure projects; a study on pathways for low-carbon fuels derived from woody biomass; incentives for electric vehicle purchases; incentives for natural climate solutions; provide staff for environmental justice coordination; and develop strategy to address pollution and harmful algal blooms.

Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) with Oregon Business and Industry and 30 businesses issued a letter in opposition to HB 3409 objecting to the short time frame for public response. They state that many of the provisions are highly controversial in nature presenting a myriad of potential consequences. They sited regulations on residential and commercial building codes opposed by union trade organizations, housing providers, and the building industry. “The bill also contains language updating Oregon’s greenhouse gas reduction goals, among other related changes that have significant public policy implications.” They generally object to combining provisions that would be better handled as stand-alone policy bills.

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Taxpayers Association of Oregon (TAO) stated in their analysis of the amended bill, “The bill gives power to several agencies to enact rules requiring home/commercial construction/transportation projects and heat pumps to follow in order to meet certain arbitrary government benchmarks. We fear that this would give power to un-elected State Agencies the power to force rules on taxpayers without public hearings and a vote by the elected Legislature… allows the Environmental Quality Commission to create their own fee… gives more power to the Governor by allowing her agency and agency representatives to direct tens of millions of tax dollars to special environmental funds for what appears no oversight or consent from the people’s elected lawmakers.”

TAO contends, “This bill could increase the cost of housing and construction at a time of an affordable housing crisis. This bill could increase transportation costs when Oregon is among the highest gas tax and auto fee states in America. This bill could increase energy costs during a near-historic high in inflation.”

As Oregon pushes forward on policies to reduce emissions, Britain is turning back to burning coal to generate electricity after a heatwave made solar panels too hot to work efficiently reducing the amount of energy generated. China is building a large number of coal-fired power plants to drive its economy despite their claim to decarbonize. But is reducing emissions the real agenda?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-06-14 22:49:43

Last Update: 2023-06-14 23:10:25

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Portland Field Office and the Portland Police Bureau are asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual(s) responsible for the shooting death of 22-year-old Geavauntae Sherman nearly one year after his murder.

On June 20, 2022, Sherman was shot and killed at Raymond City Park in Portland, Oregon, while attending his sister’s birthday party. It is believed that an argument broke out nearby and Sherman was shot by a male from another group in the park.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Geavauntae Sherman.

“Geavauntae Sherman was celebrating his little sister’s birthday when he was killed in the middle of a Portland city park. An argument that began over playground equipment ended in loss of life,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “It’s been nearly a year, and we know there were dozens of witnesses in the park that evening. We need those witnesses to come forward with any details they remember. We hope the $15,000 reward will encourage anyone with information to reach out to the FBI and to help this family get the justice they deserve.”

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The FBI says that they will accept anonymous tips to assist in their investigation. If you know anything, the Sherman family needs closure and justice for Geavauntae.

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181, your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online.


--Dollie Banner

Post Date: 2023-06-14 15:57:51

Last Update: 2023-06-14 16:54:08

The Oregon Attorney General’s Office has now certified the Constitutional Carry for Oregon’s (CCFO) ballot title for Initiative Petition 2024-021.

The draft ballot title read: “Amends Constitution: Creates constitutional right to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.”

The certified ballot title now reads: “Amends Constitution: Creates right to carry a concealed firearm without a permit; voids existing concealed carry restrictions.”

In a joint statement, the petitioners stated, “We have no plans to challenge the ballot title; however, it’s important to point out that the voiding of concealed carry restrictions in no way places firearms into the hands of felons or those otherwise unable to legally possess a firearm. A second point is that such individuals do not typically apply for concealed carry permits to begin with.”

At present, 27 U.S. states are already constitutional carry states.

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After a 10-day appeals period placed by the Attorney General’s Office, and a three-day processing period by the Secretary of State’s Office, final signature sheets will be issued. The process of gathering the 160,551 signatures for the initiative to appear on the November 2024 general election ballot will begin thereafter. CCFO has until July 5, 2024, to submit signatures.

CCFO is a grassroots volunteer effort. The three chief petitioners are: Joel Pawloski, a retired Army Lt. Colonel in Marion County; Kerry McQuisten, the former mayor of Baker City in Baker County; and Jean Sampson, former city council member of Clatskanie in Columbia County.

More information can be found at the CCFO website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-13 18:50:15

Last Update: 2023-06-13 18:58:21

The Marion County Oregon Board of Commissioners have now selected Lieutenant Nicholas Hunter of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to fill the vacancy for the Sheriff position left by Sheriff Kast's upcoming retirement. Six applicants were interviewed in a special Board Session today that also included Christopher Baldridge, Director of Safety and Risk Management Services for Salem Keizer Public Schools, and Deputy Sheriff Chad Jones, Deputy Sheriff Chris Kennedy, Sergeant Donald Parise, and Deputy Sheriff Stacy Rejaian of the Marion County Sheriff's Department.

Marion County Commissioner Colm Willis, Board Chair, said, “I appreciate Lt. Hunter’s valuable experience and his willingness to serve our community. We look forward to working with him to protect our community and ensure Marion County continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Lt. Hunter voiced a strong desire to maintain stability, and also to trust his people in the transition from Sheriff Kast’s retirement, and I strongly believe that is what their office needs right now,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “I also appreciate his recognition that the world is changing, and that we need to progressively change to serve the citizens of Marion County.”

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Commissioner Danielle Bethell, in speaking to Lt. Hunter, said, “You said that before you can understand the solution, you need to understand the problem, and I will hold you accountable to that. This community is full of problems and full of solutions, but it requires a listening, thoughtful ear to seek those solutions. I look forward to working with you in that opportunity.”

Lt. Hunter will be officially appointed as Sheriff at the Commissioners’ June 28, 2023, Regular Board Session.

A swearing-in ceremony will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, in the Senator Hearing Room at Courthouse Square located at 555 Court St. NE, in Salem. The public is welcome to attend.

Sheriff Joe Kast announced his retirement effective June 30, 2023.

When a vacancy occurs in a county elected office, the Marion County Board of Commissioners appoints a replacement who will hold office until the next general election.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-06-13 17:54:42

Last Update: 2023-06-13 18:20:01

Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek has announced that she will appoint Sara Collins to the Jackson County Circuit Court. Ms. Collins will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Joseph M. Charter, who the Governor thanked for his service.

The appointment is effective immediately.

“Sara Collins is a talented lawyer with a passion for justice and public service,” Governor Kotek said. “In particular, Sara’s experience litigating juvenile cases with compassion and integrity will allow her to hit the ground running and serve her community well.”

Sara Collins grew up in Jackson County and attended South Medford High School.

After graduating from law school at the University of Oregon, she completed a judicial clerkship in Alaska and served as a prosecutor there.

In 2004, she returned home to Oregon, spending 11 years as a public defender.

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In 2016, Ms. Collins entered private practice. She represents clients in juvenile, family law, and criminal cases.

Ms. Collins served as a volunteer pro tem judge from 2015 to 2018. For the last six years, she has served on the board of directors of La Clinica.

La Clinica a medical nonprofit in Jackson County committed to providing what they call "culturally appropriate" healthcare to Jackson County’s population.

Collins also serves on the Executive Committee of the Oregon State Bar’s Juvenile Law Section.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-06-12 18:29:54

Last Update: 2023-06-13 17:53:38

On Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 10:04 a.m., a Portland Police Bureau (PPB) motorcycle officer on assignment to the PPB Traffic Division was made aware of a man driving a pickup truck that had entered the closed streets of the parade route. The officer saw parade goers running out of the street and heard them screaming, trying to get his attention.

The officer then saw the truck driving east on Northeast Weidler Street ahead of him and he attempted to stop the truck.

The officer, on a motorcycle, was using the lights and sirens but the driver of the truck refused to stop and went south on Northeast MLK Jr. Blvd.

The officer then pulled alongside of the truck and told the driver to pull over but he still refused. The officer then drove ahead of the truck to warn pedestrians until it appeared the driver was going to hit him and the officer got out of the way. The officer then again attempted to get in front of the truck to stop or slow the truck down and the driver suddenly turned left onto Northeast Wasco Street and drove directly at families sitting on the curb, waiting for the parade. The officer witnessed several people in danger of being struck by the vehicle as it left NE MLK JR. Blvd.

The officer continued to pursue the truck, which then ran through a barricade, causing volunteers to quickly get out of the way to avoid being hit.

The vehicle left the parade route but continued to elude police officers. The PPB Air Support Unit took over following the truck and was able to update other responding officers.

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The truck eventually stopped near the intersection of Northeast 24th Avenue and Northeast Clackamas Street, where the driver was taken into custody.

Investigators later learned the driver came from Northbound I5 and went around two Oregon Department of Transportation trucks that were being used to close the ramp on to Northeast Weidler Street. The driver of the truck had to go up into the ivy on the hill side of the ramp to make it around the trucks.

The driver was identified as 42-year-old Sidney Sean Mecham of Portland.

Mecham was booked at the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Disorderly Conduct, Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, and Hit and Run (from an earlier, unrelated case). Mecham was also cited for Driving While Suspended, Failure to Obey a Police Officer, and for no insurance. Mecham's vehicle was towed due to no insurance.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-06-11 20:43:15

Last Update: 2023-06-11 20:58:25

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has announced the approval of $5 million to fund five homeownership development grants for federally recognized Tribes to further homeownership opportunities for Tribal members. This is the first time OHCS has had funding specifically set aside for Tribal homeownership development.

Prior to the start of the application process for these grants, OHCS met with Tribal representatives to understand their community’s homeownership needs. Based on feedback from the Tribes, two types of funding awards were created: One to fund homeownership development projects that increase the supply of affordable homes for purchase and the other for non-construction projects that lead to increased homeownership opportunities. 

During a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week at the Nixyáawii Neighborhood in the Umatilla Indian Reservation near Pendleton, OHCS Director Andrea Bell said she looks forward to continuing to partner to ensure that more Tribal members can own homes in their communities.

“OHCS is moving beyond words to take intentional steps toward honoring self-determination in directing resources and additional capacity to our Tribal partners across the state,” said Director Bell. “It is our responsibility and honor to continue to build these relationships and find ways to improve pathways to housing and homeownership for Tribal members. Thank you to the Tribal leaders and members for your ongoing advocacy, presence and contributions.”

Three applicants will receive a total of $474,715 to support 20 Tribal households either to purchase a home or make necessary repairs to maintain their home.  

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The rest of the funding will go toward two homeownership development projects that will lead to the creation of 27 new homes for purchase on land on the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde Community of Oregon and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation development, called the Nixyaawii Transformative Homeownership Project, will use the $3 million in awarded funds to build 21 new affordable homes with two or three bedrooms for parcel leaseholders on the Nixyáawii Subdivision, a fully developed tract of 42 parcels that is shovel-ready.

“The State of Oregon is definitely showing their support to the Umatilla Reservation community with the $3 million for homeownership development and the $300,000 for down payment assistance awarded just a few months ago,” said Dave Tovey, executive director at Nixyáawii Community Financial Services. “Tribal members have the opportunity to not just own a home but to be a homeowner on the reservation, a dream that has been unattainable for most. The vast majority of Tribal members I’ve worked with want to live on the reservation, in their community, but have to settle for off-reservation after realizing limited or non-existence of affordable homes to purchase on the Umatilla Reservation.

“It’s exciting to see all of this come together with the Nixyaawii Neighborhood ready for homes to be built, receiving the development grant so we can start building homes to sell, and the additional down payment funds to help reduce the expense of purchasing a new home.”

A full list of Tribal homeownership development projects approved for funding can be found on the OHCS website. 


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-10 10:54:54

Last Update: 2023-06-10 11:24:04

Washington County Emergency Management will lead a major earthquake scenario from June 12th - 14th as part of a disaster response and recovery exercise to test a multiagency response to a major earthquake. Referred to as “Shake It Off,” this exercise will involve 16 different organizations, including Washington County, several cities, special districts, community organizations and private-sector partners such as healthcare providers and technology companies.

The Shake It Off exercise will simulate response and recovery operations prompted by a high magnitude earthquake, such as the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck near the Turkey and Syrian border in February this year. This exercise is a continuation of the 2016 full-scale exercise Cascadia Rising, which involved practicing the first four days of response to a catastrophic earthquake.

These exercise participants will test their plans and procedures for quickly coordinating multi-agency response and recovery operations throughout Washington County, Oregon.

Areas of focus include testing communication plans, emergency operations center (EOC) functions, opening emergency shelter locations and providing staffing, food and other resources to displaced community members.

“Putting into practice our emergency response planning will test how we coordinate with our city, district, regional and community partners and identify our strengths and weaknesses when the ‘big one’ strikes in our region,” said John Wheeler, director of the Emergency Management Cooperative of Washington County. “How quickly and efficiently we respond to a major earthquake will be critical in providing care and resources to our community.”

Washington County will lead the exercise starting with the setup and activation of its emergency operations center (EOC) on June 12th.

Communication drills, shelter siting, and resource request processes will be the focus of exercise play on June 13th.

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On June 14th Washington County will also partner with the American Red Cross Northwest Oregon Chapter, Centro Cultural of Washington County, Citizen Emergency Response Teams and others to establish a mock emergency shelter at the Tualatin Hills Athletic Center in Beaverton (50 NW 158th Ave., Beaverton, OR 97006) in a small area of the basketball courts. This portion of the exercise will begin with a building inspection and assessment of potential structural damage.

Other anticipated activities of participating agencies and organizations in this exercise include:

City Governments

• City of Beaverton will test their communication plans on June 13th and send Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers to support the simulated shelter activities on June 14th.
• City of Hillsboro will activate its emergency operations center and practice damage assessment procedures, resource request processes and fuel and donation management.
• City of Sherwood will conduct a tabletop exercise for its emergency operations center team.
• City of Tigard will activate its operations center, use volunteer amateur radio operators to communicate and conduct damage assessment procedures and send Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers to support the simulated shelter activities on June 14th.

Fire Districts

• Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue will activate its fire operations center and practice its disaster communications procedures and systems.

Hospitals and Emergency Medical Services

• Hillsboro Medical Center and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center will participate in the communications drill.

Other agencies, community organizations and private-sector partners

• American Red Cross will send a liaison to the County EOC on June 13th to support shelter siting and resourcing and support the activation of a shelter on June 14th.
• Clean Water Services will refamiliarize staff with Incident Command System (ICS) principles and elements of EOC operations and test emergency communications procedures and equipment.
• Metro will conduct a series of tabletop exercise for its emergency operations center team.
• Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA) will exercise its backup communications and employee notification systems.
• Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District will host the shelter simulation along with testing their emergency operations center and resource request processes.
• Tualatin Valley Water District will participate in the communications drill.
• Centro Cultural will support the shelter activation on the 14th.
• Intel Corp. will participate in the communications drill.

More information about preparing for earthquakes and other natural disasters can be found at these web sites:

• Washington County Oregon Emergency Management
• Washington County Emergency Management Cooperative
• Take 5 to Survive
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management
• Public Alerts
• Ready

--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-10 09:10:13

Last Update: 2023-06-10 10:35:49

On May 25, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court in a 9-0 decision ruled in favor of the plaintiff in Tyler vs Hennepin County Minnesota, 22-166. The decision will stop about a dozen states and counties, including Oregon, from keeping surplus funds from the sale of homes that has been foreclosed and sold for back taxes. States and counties can only keep taxes owed, and the rest goes back to the owner. No more 'windfalls'.

The case was brought by Geraldine Tyler, a 94-year-old woman from Minneapolis who owed $2,300 in unpaid taxes, plus interest and penalties totaling $15,000 when the county took title to her one-bedroom apartment in 2015. The county sold her home for $40,000 and kept the remaining $25,000. The court ruled that the county violated the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment, which blocks the government from taking private property without "just compensation." They ruled Tyler's constitutional rights were violated by taking her property without paying "just compensation."

Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, and the District of Columbia have historically kept the surplus profits after property tax sales.

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Oregon took steps to prevent foreclosure during the pandemic, but many still lost their homes. The Oregon Department of Revenue states on foreclosure: "At the end of the redemption period (10-30 days), the tax collector deeds the property to the county and all taxes are canceled. When the tax collector deeds the property to the county, you lose all rights to the property."


--Ritch Hanneman

Post Date: 2023-06-09 13:22:46

Last Update: 2023-06-10 08:09:27

On June 2, 2023, a federal jury in Medford found a southern Oregon man guilty of multiple crimes resulting from his boobytrapping of a home that injured an FBI bomb technician.

Gregory Lee Rodvelt, 71, a former resident of Williams, Oregon, was found guilty of assaulting a federal officer and using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

According to court documents, on September 7, 2018, bomb technicians from Oregon State Police (OSP) and the FBI went to a property in Williams formerly owned by Rodvelt that he had lost in lawsuit. After Rodvelt learned that a receiver had been appointed to sell the property, he proceeded to boobytrap it.

When the bomb technicians arrived at the property, they observed a minivan blocking the gate. The technicians found steel animal traps affixed to a gate post and under the hood of the minivan. They also located homemade spike strips, which the receiver had previously run over. As the technician neared the residence, they observed a hot tub that had been placed on its side and rigged in a manner that when a gate was opened it would activate a mechanical trigger causing the spa to roll toward the person who had opened the gate.

The technicians further observed that the windows of the residence had been barred from the inside and there were security doors at the front and rear of the residence. The front door also had what appeared to be bullet holes from shots fired inside. In the garage, they found a rat trap modified to accept a shotgun shell. Though the trap was unloaded, it was connected to the main garage door so it would be tripped when the door was opened.

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The technicians and two other law enforcement officers gathered near the front of the residence and used an explosive charge to breach the front door. The group carefully entered the residence, looking for traps, and found a wheelchair in the center of the front entryway. When the wheelchair was bumped, it triggered a homemade shotgun device that discharged a .410 shotgun shell that struck the FBI bomb technician below the knee. The group administered first aid to the wounded technician and transported him to a local hospital.

Assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence is punishable by up to life in federal prison.

Rodvelt will be sentenced at a later date by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from OSP and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper and Jeffrey S. Sweet, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-06-08 20:31:29

Last Update: 2023-06-08 20:48:50