Portland resident Adam M. Caldwell, age 43, received a four-year prison sentence for the attempted sexual abuse of a minor at a local Fred Meyer store, as confirmed by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Souede. Caldwell, who pleaded guilty to the charge, will also be subjected to registering as a sex offender after his release, according to a news release from the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office.
The incident, which occurred on June 20, 2024, involved Caldwell groping a 10-year-old child at the Fred Meyer store located at SE 38th and Hawthorne Blvd. Caught on video surveillance, Caldwell was seen following the victim and strategically moving his grocery basket from one hand to the other before committing the assault. After the victim's sibling witnessed the act and alerted others, Caldwell fled the scene, later being identified thanks to security footage and community tips, including those from Caldwell's own family and friends.
Portland Police, including Officers Brahy, Yoo, and Bernard, conducted a thorough investigation, leading to Caldwell's arrest on July 30, 2024. Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Afton Coppedge, who prosecuted the case, highlighted the severity of Caldwell's actions, saying, "This was a brazen act of sexual violence against a 10 year old child," according to the District Attorney's news release.
Coppedge also expressed her hope that the sentence would serve as a deterrent, stating, "I hope that this sentence sends a message to offenders that our community is determined to speak up against violence and hold them accountable." Acknowledgments were made in appreciation for the efforts of the police officers who worked on the case and MCDA Victim Advocate Alie Aguilera, who provided support to the victims.
The DA's office extended gratitude to the Portland community, whose cooperation was instrumental in identifying Caldwell. Following a public appeal for assistance, the combined efforts of citizens, police, and Caldwell's acquaintances eventually brought the perpetrator to justice.
