HILLSBORO, Ore.- On January 5, 2022, a Washington County jury found Mark Charles Anderson guilty of unlawful use of a weapon and menacing. Judge Andrew Erwin then sentenced the defendant to 90 days in jail and formal probation. Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeff MacLean prosecuted the case against Mr. Anderson. 

The victim in this case is the defendant’s mother whom he lived with in Washington County, Oregon. The victim contacted the Elder Safe program operated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to seek information about a restraining order against her son. She reported to a program specialist that the defendant was behaving erratically and often verbally abused her. She hoped a judge would grant the order so that the defendant would be forced to move out of her home. 

On November 3, 2021, the victim called her program specialist with Elder Safe. She reported the defendant was acting erratically once again and had concerns for her safety because of his behavior that day. She pleaded with the sheriff’s office employee to come to her home so they could complete the needed paperwork for the restraining order. That staff member could hear the defendant yelling obscenities in the background and could sense the victim was very afraid in that moment. The program specialist called non-emergency dispatch immediately and requested a welfare check on the home. 

While deputies were en route, a concerned friend called emergency dispatch to report the defendant was threatening to kill his mother and burn the home to the ground with her inside of it. She also reported the defendant was armed with a spring-assisted knife. 

When deputies arrived, they spoke to the victim who confirmed her son threatened to stab her with the knife, which he displayed, and to burn the home down. The defendant was arrested without incident. 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to acknowledge the quick thinking of the Elder Safe program specialist for aiding the victim in this case. This office also thanks sheriff’s deputies, including Deputy Brett Winders, and the victim for her participation in this process. 

Elder Safe is a member of the Washington County Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team, which is comprised of this office, all law enforcement agencies in Washington County, Adult Protective Services, mental health, and other community partners. The Washington County Multidisciplinary Team reviews difficult elder abuse cases, develops investigative guidelines, identifies needed training, and helps coordinate procedures among agencies and other activities.

According to the National Council on Aging, in almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member. To confidentially report suspected elder abuse or neglect, call Adult Protective Services in Washington County at (971) 673-5200.  If you suspect a crime, call your local police department. If you just need more information, call Elder Safe at (503) 846-6048.

In addition to his jail sentence, Judge Erwin also ordered the defendant to have no contact with the victim going forward and to engage in applicable treatment programs.