On the heels of a trial that reverberated through Washington County, justice has been meted out to Gerardo Cesar Depaz-Mayorga for his despicable crimes. As reported by the Washington County District Attorney's Office, Depaz-Mayorga has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following his conviction for multiple sexual offenses including unlawful sexual penetration, sodomy, and sexual abuse.
Pulling back the curtain on the night of June 10, 2023, the DA's press release details a harrowing encounter. The victim, in a vulnerable state and ostensibly safe at a friend's house, was sexually assaulted by Depaz-Mayorga not once, but twice. Despite her attempts to repel the assailant, the defendant's egregious actions persisted. In the aftermath, the victim displayed remarkable courage, quickly reporting the assault to her friend and then to authorities, despite the defendant’s denial of any wrongdoing.
The turn of the tide in the investigation came when the victim recorded a phone call with Depaz-Mayorga. During this conversation, he admitted to the sexual contact - an admission that added significant weight to the case brought by Deputy District Attorney Mahalee Streblow. This crucial piece of evidence aided in securing a guilty verdict and the subsequent 25-year sentence handed down by Judge Brandon Thompson on May 2, 2025.
The cat-and-mouse game that ensued post-indictment only added to Depaz-Mayorga's list of poor decisions, as the defendant actively evaded arrest and failed to turn himself in. Ultimately, his evasion proved futile when law enforcement apprehended him, ensuring that justice had a date in court. The Washington County DA's office has not only praised the victim's bravery but also the diligent efforts of the Washington County Sheriff's Office for their role in the investigation.
As Depaz-Mayorga prepares for the transfer to the Oregon Department of Corrections, his case leaves a mark as a stark reminder of the legal system's role in confronting sexual violence and honoring the voices of survivors. His incarceration serves as both a consequence for his actions and a statement of solidarity with those who have been wronged, seeking to mend what has been torn in the fabric of their lives.
