THE DALLES — The Wasco County District Attorney’s Office reported March 13 that a Wasco County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Ezekial Laclaire, issued on March 12.
Laclaire is charged with three felony counts: Rape in the second degree, sodomy in the second degree, and sex abuse in the first degree. All three charges involve a single underage victim known to the defendant, and the alleged offenses occurred on March 5. Laclaire is currently being held in the Umatilla County Jail on $100,000 bail.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
These charges carry mandatory minimum sentencing provisions under Oregon’s Ballot Measure 11, said a press release from Wasco County District Attorney Kara Davis. The investigation was led by the City of The Dalles Police Department, with Detective Samuel Perez the lead detective.
“The District Attorney’s Office extends its gratitude to SafeSpace in Hood River for their crucial assistance in conducting the forensic interview of the child victim,” said Davis via the press release.
“The Wasco County District Attorney’s Office is committed to the swift prosecution of those who commit crimes against children,” Davis continued. “We recognize the sensitive nature of these cases and prioritize the safety and well-being of the victim.”
Anyone with additional information regarding Laclaire is asked to contact Perez at 541-296-2233.
Commented