A Multnomah County corrections deputy is now behind bars after being charged with several counts of sexual misconduct amid allegations involving adults in custody. The deputy, identified as 54-year-old Edwin Diaz, was indicted by a grand jury on charges that include three counts of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, three counts of Custodial Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree, two counts of Custodial Sexual Misconduct in the Second Degree, and 17 counts of Official Misconduct in the First Degree, according to a statement from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
The MCSO launched the probe following an anonymous tip received in October 2024, signaling Diaz's inappropriate behavior with female adults in custody, leading to his arrest yesterday and placement on unpaid administrative leave following his arraignment in Multnomah County. The detectives worked meticulously, initially facing an evidential impasse due to the inability to locate an identified victim, but the search continued as the case unwound and a second victim’s report emerged from the Oregon Department of Corrections.
While the initial investigation was led by a Portland Police detective to avoid any conflicts of interest or bias within the MCSO, the evidence gathered included jail video and witness testimonies which corroborated the accounts of the victims; this in-depth collaboration has led to the current charges against Diaz. Authorities have since released Diaz's booking photo in an effort to identify any additional victims that may have been affected by his actions and uncover further illicit activities.
Addressing the gravity of the situation, Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell expressed her concerns, stating, "I am deeply troubled by the allegations against Edwin Diaz," and acknowledging the responsibility of the MCSO to treat those in custody with respect—this acknowledgment of the responsibility comes alongside her praise of the victims' bravery and an assurance of commitment to transparency and accountability, as per a report by the MCSO. Individuals with information about Diaz or who may have experienced misconduct are encouraged to come forward and contact MCSO Detective Dylan Lerch or Portland Police Bureau Detective Jordan Zaitz, or submit an anonymous tip via the MCSO Tip Line.
Diaz's felony charges are being pursued by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, confirming the seriousness with which these allegations are being taken in the quest for justice. The MCSO has emphasized that no further details will be disclosed since this is an ongoing criminal investigation.
