East Portland man accused of 54 sex crimes with children

See why officials are asking for your help with this case …

Late in the evening, in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, police capture and arrest a man they accuse of multiple child-related sex crimes.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Neighbors in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood wondered why Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct officers were arriving at a home near 126th Avenue and Bush Street late on Tuesday, February 2.

“Officers arrested 23-year-old Jared Kelly White,” later revealed PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Pete Simpson.

On January 28, a Multnomah County Grand Jury had filed an indictment against White, charging him with Sodomy in the First Degree (15 counts), Sex Abuse in the First Degree (28 counts), and Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree (11 counts). “White was arrested without incident at his home,” Simpson said.

White was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) on a total of 54 charges on February 3 at 12:52 a.m.

This man, 23-year-old Jared Kelly White, faces 54 charges of sexual abuse.

These charges are the result of three 2015 investigations conducted by the Child Abuse Team, involving incidents going back to 2007 concerning three juvenile victims, remarked Simpson.

“Detectives have learned that White has held several jobs where he had contact with children, and have information indicating that there may be additional victims,” Simpson added.

“White’s job history includes working for the Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) Outdoor School and an event childcare company,” said Simpson.

A spokesperson confirmed to reporters that White was a program leader at the Sandy River Outdoor School from March, 2014, until October, 2015, when the inquiry began – adding that all these employees must pass a rigorous background check. Indeed, a search of public records indicates that White has no criminal record.

Although his outer East Portland neighbors, none of whom wished to be identified, all said they were surprised by the allegations, and used terms like “awesome” and “good kid” to describe him, White remains behind bars at MCDC in lieu of $13.5 million bail.

Anyone with information about White, or additional victims, is asked to contact Detective Nathan Tobey at 503-823-0276, or via nathan.tobey@portlandoregon.gov.

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