HILLSBORO, Ore.- On May 18, 2022, Alejandro Negrete, age 25, pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree attempted sodomy, and two counts of public indecency. He was then sentenced to 103 months in prison by Washington County Circuit Court Judge Chris Colburn. Deputy District Attorney Rayney Meisel prosecuted the case for the State.

The defendant was working as a delivery driver on July 16, 2021, when he encountered a 9-year-old girl playing outside her home. Mr. Negrete approached the child and asked her if she wanted candy. When she declined the offer the defendant told the girl to sit down on her front steps and close her eyes so he could give her something better. She did so. When the child opened her eyes, the defendant was standing in front of her exposing himself. The victim screamed and ran away, as did Mr. Negrete. She reported the abuse to her father who immediately called 9-1-1.

Washington County Sheriff’s deputies responded and located the defendant nearby. He admitted to his actions and told investigators that the girl was not his first sexual abuse victim.

Based on this information, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release in the hopes other victims might come forward. Shortly after, a second family contacted investigators and reported that Mr. Negrete exposed himself to their 9-year-old daughter while working as a delivery driver. A third 9-year-old girl also reported the defendant touched her inappropriately as well. After detectives located corroborating videos and work schedules, Mr. Negrete admitted to his involvement in these additional cases.

“Cases like this are terrifying. The defendant used his position of public trust to gain access to children,” said DDA Meisel. “His behavior was escalating, and it appears he became emboldened when he wasn’t caught right away. We are so grateful that these young girls reported him, and that law enforcement acted quickly to get this man out of our community.”

In court, the defendant acknowledged his guilt. “I want to apologize to the victims and their families for my crimes and the harm I’ve caused,” Mr. Negrete said at his sentencing hearing. He also told the court he hoped to use the time in prison to better himself.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to commend these victims for having the courage to report this abuse. This office also thanks Detective Cheryl Crecelius and all the investigators on this case, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and CARES Northwest for their work.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Colburn also ordered the defendant to register as a sex offender and undergo post-prison supervision upon his release. Mr. Negrete will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence. 

Investigators believe there may additional victims who haven’t come forward. If you have any information, please contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.