HILLSBORO, Ore.- On April 14, 2022, a Washington County jury found Ronnie Don Nielson, age 33, guilty of first-degree sodomy and first-degree sexual abuse. On April 29, 2022, the defendant was sentenced to 300 months in prison. Deputy District Attorney Chris Lewman prosecuted the case before Judge Ricardo Menchaca.

Mr. Nielson is a previously convicted sex offender who is barred from having any contact with minors. In January of 2021, the defendant was alone inside a home with a girl under the age of 10. He sexually assaulted her. The victim reported the abuse to a family member who did not immediately alert law enforcement.

In March of 2021, deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were called to a home in Beaverton, Oregon on a report of a disturbance. When they arrived, they found several family members shouting at each other. As deputies worked to defuse the situation, the victim reported that the defendant sexually abused her. This disclosure generated an official investigation. The victim was seen by experts at CARES Northwest where she disclosed additional details of the abuse.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to commend the victim in this case for the courage needed to report this abuse. This office also acknowledges the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and CARES Northwest for their work.