HILLSBORO, Ore.- On February 26, 2021, a jury convicted Abelino Garcia-Vasquez, age 33, of two counts of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, two counts of second-degree unlawful sexual penetration and seven counts of first-degree sexual abuse. Senior Deputy District Attorney Andy Pulver prosecuted the case against the defendant before Judge Eric Butterfield.

This case involves the sexual abuse of two children known to the defendant. The victims were nine and seven-years-old when the defendant began abusing them. One of the victims disclosed the abuse to her friends but none of them reported the disclosures to law enforcement, the Oregon Department of Human Services, or a responsible adult. Eventually, the victim also disclosed the abuse to a mandatory reporter—a school counselor—who alerted the authorities.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation. Unfortunately, members of the victim’s family did not take the allegations seriously and continued to support Mr. Garcia-Vasquez during that time.

In 2019, while the investigation was pending, a family member found the second victim’s personal journal in which she detailed the abuse perpetuated by Mr. Garcia-Vasquez. That family member then reported her findings to the Oregon Department of Human Services and law enforcement.

Both of the victims were interviewed by experts at CARES Northwest where they gave details regarding the abuse.

Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office made various attempts to interview the defendant. During a phone call with detectives, the defendant denied any wrongdoing before claiming he was traveling to Mexico to visit a sick family member. He agreed to meet with detectives for an interview but ultimately fled the state. After receiving information that Mr. Garcia-Vasquez had returned to the area, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Apprehension Team effectuated his arrest. 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to acknowledge the bravery of these two victims throughout this trying process. This office also thanks the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, CARES Northwest and the Oregon Department of Human Services for their work on this case.

A sentencing hearing for the defendant is scheduled for March 26, 2021. Mr. Garcia-Vasquez will remain in custody until that time.