Oregon Beach News, Monday 10/2 – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Accepting Public Comments on Updates to Marine Plant and Seaweed Collection Rules on the Ocean Shore

Southern Oregon Joint Task Force Sweep Arrests Five Local Suspects for 42 Felony Counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse, Investigators Discover Local Victims

JCSO Cases 23-1656, 22-7462, 22-0731, 22-1482, 22-4223

ROGUE VALLEY, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force arrested five separate suspects today on 42 encouraging child sexual abuse felony charges. Investigations led the task force throughout the Rogue Valley including addresses in Medford, Central Point, and Grants Pass. Although the cases are not connected, total felony charges included 32 counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, 10 counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, 16 counts of first-degree invasion of personal privacy, and a felon in possession of a firearm.

Six local and federal law enforcement agencies assisted SOCET with today’s arrests including Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF), Medford Police Department, Central Point Police Department, and the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF). 

Each investigation began when SOCET received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led to subpoenas, followed by search warrants at the respective residences. Investigators seized digital devices during the searches and applied for additional warrants to examine the devices. Once the additional search warrants were signed, SOHTCTF forensically examined the devices for further evidence of child exploitation. At that point SOCET took each case through a Grand Jury hearing and the courts issued warrants for each suspect’s arrest. 

The first arrest came when SOCET received a tip that a suspect was leaving his residence in the 60 block of Jeanette Avenue in Medford. The task force located and arrested Steven Wesley Rambo, 60, of Medford, on nine felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Investigators have reason to believe Rambo may have other child victims. If you have any information on the suspect, contact investigators through the Sheriff’s App “Submit a Tip” feature. Download the App here: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a72997501. You can also call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 22-7462.

Next, the task force located a suspect’s vehicle near his residence in the 20 block of Washington Street in Medford. The task force arrested Michael David Robertson, 45, of Medford, for three felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and 16 counts of first-degree invasion of personal privacy. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to serve a search warrant at Robertson’s former residence in the 800 block of Forest Glen Drive in Central Point where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. During the search warrant investigators discovered a hidden camera in the bathroom of the residence which led to the invasion of personal privacy charges. During the course of the investigation there are still two unidentified victims. If you have any information about the suspect or victims, submit a tip on the Sheriff’s App or call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 23-1656.

The task force then located and arrested David Anthony Price, 40, at his residence in the 1000 block of Morgan Lane in Grants Pass, for 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to his former residence in the 700 block of North River Road in Rogue River where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail.

The next arrest came when Mark Joseph Harding, 37, of Central Point, turned himself in at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Central Point. Harding is charged with 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to his residence in the 800 block of South Haskell Street in Central Point where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail.

The final arrest for the sweep came when investigators contacted David Michael Painter, 62, at his residence in the 2500 block of Rabun Way in Central Point. Painter is charged with 10 felony counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO and HSI; as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County.

Klamath Falls Kidnapper Facing New Rape and Kidnapping Charges In Separate Local Case

A Klamath Falls man accused of kidnapping a Seattle woman and holding her in a homemade, cinderblock cell is facing new charges in a separate, local case.

Negasi Zuberi, 29, was arrested July 16 in Reno, Nev., after his victim escaped from the makeshift holding cell Zuberi locked her in inside of his garage.

The State of Oregon filed an indictment against Zuberi Sept. 21 on charges unrelated to the federal kidnapping case.

The indictment lists 11 charges against Zuberi, including first-degree rape, sodomy, sexual abuse and kidnapping, all of which involved the use or threat of use of a firearm or taser. He is also charged with unlawful use of a weapon, second-degree assault and menacing.

According to court documents, the new set of charges stem from an incident which took place in Klamath County on or around May 6.

Court documents show a Grand Jury approved the indictment Sept. 11. No hearings or court appearances have been scheduled as of Friday afternoon.

The state filed criminal mischief and attempted escape charges in second case after Zuberi allegedly attempted to break out of his cell in Jackson County Jail.

According to Oregon Circuit Court documents, at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Aug. 24, staff heard pounding coming from Zuberi’s cell and discovered the window, which was hidden by a pile of books, was cracked and damaged.

The case for this event was dismissed for the time being at the request of Zuberi’s team of court-appointed lawyers for additional time.  Zuberi’s jury trial for the federal kidnapping case is scheduled for 9 a.m., Dec. 12 in Medford.

Morgan Fire near Bly UPDATE

In Lake County, approximately 21 miles northwest of Lakeview and 8 miles north of Quartz Mountain, firefighting efforts on the Morgan Fire are also showing promise with the removal of all evacuation warnings in place as of last Wednesday morning.

The 2,289-acre wildfire is now 75% contained according to a news release from Fremont-Winema National Forest.

Marsh Fire in Klamath Marsh National Forest UPDATE

HILOQUIN, Ore. Sep. 28, 2023 – Today the command of the Marsh fire was turned back to the local Type 4 organization at 0800. The fire is currently 2661 acres and is 50 % contained. The Marsh Fire is now 2,661 acres and 50% contained, according to a news release from Fremont Winema National Forest. 

“With the increased containment firefighters will transition from fire suppression to suppression repair, working to restore the containment line and areas impacted by initial attack efforts,” the release said. “In addition, crews will continue patrolling and mopping up hot spots within the perimeter.”

More Than 75,000 Workers Prepare For Possibility Of Largest Health Care Strike In US History – Kaiser Permanente Workers Say They Are Unlikely To Reach Deal To Avert Strike

PORTLAND, Ore. — Kaiser Permanente pharmacy workers walked off the job Sunday morning. They’re represented by the union UFCW Local 555.

The coalition of unions representing health-care workers at Kaiser Permanente said late on Saturday it is unlikely there will be a new agreement with the health-care provider, as their current contract expires and the unions prepare for strike action.

The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions said it and the company remained far apart on important issues.

Earlier in September, more than 75,000 Kaiser health-care workers called for a strike from Oct. 4 to Oct.7 across California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Virginia and Washington DC, in what would be the largest healthcare workers’ strike, according to the coalition.

Workers of the coalition are demanding resolution on a short staffing crisis, a pay increase and an improvement in medical plans.

A tight U.S. labor market, the expiry of union contracts and high living costs have led to tough negotiations for pay hikes and benefits from workers and triggered strikes and protests across industries.

Nearly 309,700 workers have been involved in work stoppages and strikes through August this year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, putting 2023 on track to become the busiest year for strikes since 2019. (SOURCE)

OSP Investigating Officer Involved Shooting- Polk County

The Oregon State Police major crimes section is actively investigating an officer involved shooting at the request of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office- in accordance with SB111 protocols.

On Saturday, September 30, at approximately 1:30 A.M., an Independence Police Officer initiated a traffic stop and the suspect vehicle fled.  The pursuit ended after officers deployed spike strips, disabling the vehicle, and the suspect fled on foot. Law enforcement officers responded to the area and located the suspect as he attempted to flee the area in another vehicle. The suspect opened fire on responding officers, striking a Polk County Deputy and law enforcement officers discharged their weapons in response. 

As a result of the gunfire exchange, one suspect is deceased, another is injured, and the original suspect has been arrested. 

There is no reason to believe there is any danger to the public at this time. Due to the on-going investigation, further details are currently unavailable.  All future releases will come from the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.

Over 200 Airmen From Oregon And Washington Return Home After A Two-Week Training Mission In Thailand

The exercise, called “Enduring Partners”, included Portland-based F-15 fighters and KC-135 refueling tankers from Spokane operating with the Royal Thai Air Force.

According to the Air National Guard, the exercise aims to increase joint interoperability and improve overall readiness.Colonel Todd Hofford with the 142nd Wing here in Portland says the experience gained is invaluable.

“Our relationship with the Royal Thai Air Force is ironclad, to include our commitment to ensure peace and stability within the region. We don’t know what the future holds, and any allies and partners that we continue to train and work with and gain that familiarity and build those relationships, will only help us be successful moving forward.”

“Enduring partners” will be an ongoing annual exercise with members of the Royal Thai Air Force traveling to Washington next year.

U.S. Postal Service Hiring Across Oregon

The U.S. Postal Service welcomed job-seekers to job fairs at dozens of post office locations throughout the state Thursday. The USPS is trying to fill thousands of openings for full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs. Salaries range around $19.94 to $24.05 an hour, depending on the position.

Whether you are an early-riser or night owl, the Postal Service has positions to accommodate varying schedules.Here’s information from the USPS announcement:

Our goal is to fill thousands of positions all over the state. In most areas, the need is especially urgent for mail carriers, clerks and mail handlers. However, interested applicants should always check with their local Post Office for information on available positions.

The Postal Service continues to aggressively hire in many locations across the country. With a workforce of more than 635,000, USPS is one of the nation’s largest employers with ongoing attrition needs. And combined with the ongoing nationwide challenges faced by most employers, we are hiring for the holidays — and beyond.  

A postal job offers employees the ability to work where they live, good pay, stability, lifelong benefits and career advancement opportunities throughout the entire agency. 

Our employees are our greatest asset, and we are investing in our new personnel by providing robust training and on-the-job support. The Postal Service offers stability, competitive wages and benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

Starting pay varies depending on the job. But starting pay for carriers ranges between $19 and $20 per hour paid bi-weekly. Applications are accepted online at www.usps.com/careers. 

Applicants must be 18 years of age and be able to pass drug screening and a criminal background investigation. Although in some instances, interested candidates can also be 16 with a high school diploma.

Applicants must be available to work weekends and holidays. Refer to the job announcement for full details, duties, responsibilities, job requirements, and benefits information. Job postings are updated frequently, so check back often for additional opportunities.

For additional information regarding available positions in all areas, applicants can go to our website at www.usps.com/careers. Jobs are uploaded every other Tuesday until filled. Potential applicants can also visit any Post Office location for more information.

Stabilizing our workforce to ensure we consistently service nearly 165 million addresses across the country is one part of the Postal Service’s 10-year Delivering for America plan to achieve financial stability and service excellence.

# # # Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to nearly 165 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

Oregon State Parks ready for Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse

Oregon State Parks offers prime viewing spots for the Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse. Visitors to parks within the path of annularity will watch the moon partially cover the sun, which creates a ‘ring of fire’ because the moon appears slightly smaller as it passes.

“Our park staff are ready to help visitors safely view this phenomenon,” said JR Collier, deputy of Statewide Operations.

He added that a limited number of free eclipse glasses will be available at Oregon State Parks on the day of the event. 

He also emphasizes that safety is crucial while observing an eclipse. 

Use ISO 12312-2 certified solar filters, avoid damaged filters, and consider projection methods. The eclipse glasses from the 2017 event are expired and shouldn’t be used. 

Travelers coming to Oregon should prepare for potential traffic congestion, check local weather conditions, and pack essentials, including water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Whether you’re an experienced eclipse enthusiast or a first-time observer, prioritize safety, and plan your trip to witness the ‘ring of fire’ against Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes and clear skies. 

For more information and updates about viewing the eclipse from an Oregon state park, please visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=327.