Milton-Freewater man charged with 50 counts of sex crimes

Judge sets bail at $2.5 million

MILTON-FREEWATER — Jeffrey Allen Pierce of Milton-Freewater pleaded not guilty Wednesday afternoon to 50 counts of sex crimes.

The Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office alleged Pierce committed the crimes against one girl.

Milton-Freewater Police Chief Doug Boedigheimer in a written statement reported his officers arrested Pierce, 40, on a warrant Wednesday stemming from a Umatilla County grand jury indictment.

The grand jury found the abuse began in 2008 when the girl was younger than 12 and continued through 2013, according to the 13-page indictment, which lists four counts of second-degree sodomy, 22 of first-degree sodomy, and 24 of first-degree sexual abuse. All the charges are felonies under Oregon’s Measure 11 and carry mandatory minimum sentences upon conviction.

Boedigheimer stated Pierce’s arrest culminated a complex and lengthy investigation involving Milton-Freewater police, the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division and the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office.

Circuit Judge Jon Lieuallen of Pendleton set bail for Pierce at $2.5 million. Pierce’s next court appearance is Oct. 27.

If you or someone you care about was sexually abused and you would like advice from an attorney about the rights and options for victims of child sexual abuse, please contact Crew Janci today for a free, confidential consultation at 1-888-407-0224 or by using our private online form.  We will treat you with discretion and respect.

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