Two women camping near a public trail in Tillamook County were bound and threatened after a man allegedly sliced into their tent and told them he would sexually assault them, federal prosecutors say. The suspect was arrested and made a first appearance in U.S. District Court in Portland this week, where a judge ordered him held in custody while the case moves forward. Authorities have kept the federal complaint sealed as investigators look into other alleged incidents connected to the man.
Prosecutors' account of the attack
Federal prosecutors have identified the defendant as Gene Arnold McLenithan Jr. and say he cut into the tent of the two campers, bound them, covered their eyes and threatened to sexually assault them while carrying a bag of razor-sharp knives, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Court records cited in that reporting say McLenithan was convicted in Tillamook County in 2000 on two counts of sodomy and burglary. Prosecutors told the court McLenithan is charged in federal court with kidnapping and attempted abusive sexual contact, and that the complaint has been filed under seal. They told the judge kidnapping can carry a maximum sentence of life in prison while attempted abusive sexual contact carries up to 10 years.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo ordered McLenithan held in custody pending trial. The court's roster lists Russo as a magistrate in the District of Oregon, according to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.
Legal background and sex-offender registration
The allegations place the case at the intersection of federal prosecution and state-level registration rules for people with past sex convictions. Oregon requires certain people convicted of sex crimes to register with the statewide system and follow reporting rules and classification levels that law enforcement uses to track offenders. For details on reporting requirements and classification, see the Oregon State Police page.
Support for victims and what to do
Law enforcement asks anyone with information about the Tillamook-area incident to contact the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office or call 911, and victims or witnesses can access counseling and advocacy through state programs. The Oregon Department of Justice's Crime Victim & Survivor Services maintains a resource directory and a 24/7 support line for survivors. Their site lists local advocates, compensation programs and a statewide helpline at 1-844-762-8483. For information on services and how to request victim rights, see the Oregon Department of Justice.
