HILLSBORO, Ore.- On July 19, 2023, a Washington County jury found Rafael Avalos-Lezama, age 45, guilty of two counts of Sodomy in the First Degree and three counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Deputy District Attorney Chris Lewman prosecuted the case against the defendant before Judge Janelle Wipper. 

In April of 2021, one of two young victims in this case disclosed sexual abuse committed by the defendant. The Beaverton Police Department began investigating. Both victims provided details of the abuse to investigators and medical experts at CARES Northwest. 

Prior to his most recent arrest, the defendant was convicted of Identity Theft after authorities discovered he was using a stolen identity to avoid capture on an active arrest warrant for second-degree rape, involving a 12-year-old child, in Yamhill County, Oregon. 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the victims for their bravery throughout the legal process. This office also acknowledges the work of the Beaverton Police Department and CARES Northwest. 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 12, 2023.