HILLSBORO, Ore- On February 26, 2025, a Washington County jury found Joshua Birjanu Powers, age 31, guilty of attempted sodomy in the first degree, attempted rape in the first degree, sexual abuse in the first degree (two counts), sexual abuse in the third degree, public indecency, assault in the fourth degree (two counts) and interference with making a report. Senior Deputy District Attorney Chris Lewman prosecuted the defendant before Judge Ricardo Menchaca.

On January 18, 2025, the defendant entered a hotel in Beaverton where the 61-year-old victim was working the desk nightshift by herself. Shortly after entering the lobby, Mr. Powers began to harass the victim. The assault then turned physical as he groped her and grabbed her body multiple times, exposed himself and began masturbating in front of her. When she attempted to call police, he ripped the phone from her hands and ended the call.

Fortunately, dispatchers were able to identify the caller’s location. Officers with the Beaverton Police Department arrived and witnessed the ongoing assault. They quickly intervened and arrested the defendant. The assault was recorded on hotel surveillance cameras as well as body-worn cameras.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the Beaverton Police Department for their work in protecting the victim.

Mr. Powers will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.