Jail, probation for assault
A Stayton man arrested last year for assaulting a woman and her daughter has been sentenced to a year in jail and two years of probation in a plea deal that helped him avoid more prison time.
Jeremy Don Ellis, 43, pleaded guilty June 5 in Marion County Circuit Court to two counts of misdemeanor fourth-degree assault. He was sentenced June 6 to 364 days in jail with credit for time served and eligibility for early release, and 24 months of probation.
While on probation Ellis must complete a batterer intervention program and substance abuse treatment, and may not consume intoxicants or frequent places where they are consumed. Additionally Ellis may not possess any weapons and may not have contact with the two victims.
Ellis was arrested Aug. 27, 2023, for an incident the day before when he struck a woman on the back of the head and continued to punch and kick her after she fell to the floor, causing a shattered cheekbone. The victim’s daughter attempted to intervene and Ellis allegedly punched her in the face multiple times.
Ellis was originally arrested for second-degree assault, punishable by at least 70 months in prison under Measure 11. Defense attorney Jacob Reynolds argued in pretrial filings that the victim’s injuries did not meet the legal definition of “serious,” and that related medical evidence had been withheld. Ellis was acquitted of this charge.
Drug treatment assault, chase
An Aumsville man accused of a domestic assault near Silverton that led to a police chase has been sentenced to three years of probation after entering a plea agreement.
Matthew James Rodgers, 33, pleaded guilty June 5 in Marion County Circuit Court to strangulation, unlawful use of a weapon and attempting to elude police. On June 18 he was sentenced to 36 months of probation and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.
While on probation Rodgers must complete inpatient substance abuse treatment, as well as complete 80 hours of community service.
Rodgers was arrested May 6 for an incident the previous evening on Hwy. 214 near Silver Falls State Park. According to charging documents, he strangled a woman, threatened her with a hatchet and damaged her car windshield. Police located Rodgers in Salem and the defendant fled north on I-5 at speeds exceeding 115 mph, according to a media release from Oregon State Police. His vehicle left the road near Wilsonville and became stuck in a field. He was taken into custody after a brief standoff with police.
Man arrested in drug sting
An Aumsville man is facing multiple felonies after being arrested in a fentanyl sting by the Salem Police Department.
Joseph Wallace Blades, 42, was arrested May 21 by detectives serving a search warrant at his home on the 11000 block of Silver Falls Hwy. SE.
A news release from SPD said 250 pills of suspected fentanyl, 36 firearms including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, body armor, ammunition and a stolen vehicle were recovered. SPD was assisted by Marion County Sheriff’s Office SWAT.
Blades was charged in Marion County Circuit Court with possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of prohibited firearms, felon in possession of body armor and three counts of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison on his highest count and up to 35 years in prison on all counts. Blades was released May 22 on $60,000 bail. He was due back in court July 24.
20 months for $13K theft
A Lyons man has been sentenced to prison after accepting a plea deal for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from an elderly victim. David Lee Ansted, 66, pleaded no contest May 28 in Linn County Circuit Court to aggravated first-degree theft and was sentenced to 20 months in prison and 24 months post-prison supervision.
Ansted was arrested June 29, 2023, for allegedly stealing more than $13,000 from the victim between 2019 and 2020 through credit card fraud, computer crimes and mishandling of entrusted property.
Three years for vehicle theft
A Eugene man arrested in Lyons in possession of a stolen car has been sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted by a jury of multiple felonies. Robert James Atkinson, 35, was convicted June 13 of first-degree burglary, possession of a burglary tool, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, attempt to elude a police officer and third-degree theft. On June 14 he was sentenced to 36 months in prison and 36 months of post-prison supervision. He was arrested April 15 by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office in Lyons after he was found in possession of a stolen Ford sedan.
