An Oregon City man has been handed a 40-year sentence for his crimes against children and a dog, according to a report from the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office. Edward Leroy Jones III, 37, entered guilty pleas to multiple charges including two counts of Rape in the First Degree, two counts of Rape in the Second Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree, Sodomy in the Second Degree, two counts of Sexually Assaulting an Animal, and three counts of Encouraging the Sexual Abuse of a Child in the First Degree, the Clackamas County DA's Office said.
The investigation unearthed over 10,000 images of child pornography in Jones’ possession, including a disturbing video of him having sex with the older of his victims, whose ages are now 15 and 12. Senior Deputy District Attorney Rusty Amos reported that the youngest victim's abuse began as early as three to four years old. In a statement made during sentencing, Jones accepted responsibility for his egregious acts.
Their mother, who, according to Senior Deputy District Attorney Rusty Amos, was aware of the sexual abuse, has been charged with two counts of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree, with her case still pending. The mother and the victims' uncle, who were present during the sentencing, addressed the court, detailing the deep-seated trauma and ongoing struggles the children face as a result of Jones' actions, the DA's office elaborated.
The DA’s office commended the investigative team, comprising members from the Oregon City Police, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, and Milwaukie Police Department, for their work on this case. Detectives Brandt Wadsworth, Daniel Garrett, and Ariah Cookingham; officers James Rohde and Jason Pohl; criminalist Scott Gotter; and detectives Phillip Windholz and Kathryn Meier were all part of this effort, and their collaborative work was instrumental in bringing Jones to justice, said the release.
