Robert Louis Sorensen, 40, was arraigned Friday after prosecutors said he launched a racially charged and sexually explicit rampage across two Portland neighborhoods last week. According to court filings, Sorensen allegedly went door to door on Southwest 17th Avenue, smeared feces on a Black neighbor’s door and threatened to burn the building while yelling racial slurs. Officers later reportedly found him blocking traffic at NE 42nd Avenue and Lombard, where he is accused of committing an indecent act while being taken into custody.
Allegations From Court Documents
Court documents reviewed by KATU say police first contacted Sorensen on Thursday after reports that he was banging on neighbors’ doors and threatening to set a building on fire. One resident, who is Black, told officers that Sorensen had smeared feces on his door while repeatedly yelling the N-word, according to the filings.
Charges And Legal Context
Prosecutors have charged Sorensen with public indecency, a bias crime, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief. Under Oregon law, public indecency is defined in ORS 163.465 and is typically treated as a Class A misdemeanor. Bias crimes are addressed in state statutes including ORS 166.165, which allow courts to factor in a defendant’s motive tied to protected characteristics when considering charges and potential sentences.
Past Contacts With Police
According to additional court filings reviewed by KATU, Sorensen was convicted last December of interfering with public transportation. In that earlier case, officers said he refused to get off the exterior bike rack of a TriMet bus and was later seen blocking traffic at NE 42nd and Lombard. The same documents state that during his arrest he masturbated while officers tried to detain him, continued shouting racial slurs and demanded to speak with a “white officer.”
The filings say Sorensen was released on his own recognizance following the latest charges and is scheduled to return to court on May 1.
Penalties And What Comes Next
If Sorensen is convicted, public indecency in Oregon can carry both jail time and financial penalties. The offense is generally a Class A misdemeanor but can be treated more harshly in some situations. State law also provides tools for courts to respond specifically to bias-related conduct, including options such as community service or anti-bias programming, depending on the case and the judge’s discretion.
For readers interested in the underlying legal language, public indecency is defined in ORS 163.465, and additional sentencing provisions related to bias crimes and court options are outlined in ORS 166.167.
