Article adapted from KOIN6 News.
Mark Alan Laverdure was indicted in 2017 by a grand jury for 27 counts of sex crimes against children dating back to 2003. He was charged with 21 counts of first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, two counts of using a child in the display of sexually explicit conduct, and one count each of first-degree sodomy, and third-degree sexual abuse. He was convicted in 2018 after a plea of no contest to five counts. The other counts were dismissed following a plea agreement.
Detectives with the Portland Police Bureau and Multnomah County Child Abuse Team have identified 5 female victims. The abuse is said to have occurred from March 2003 through June 2014.
Police did not say whether or not they believe there are additional victims; however, officials said the possibility of additional victims is a concern of investigators given the fact that 5 victims have already been identified and the allegations are said to have occurred over several years.
Laverdure was once employed with the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA).
In a statement, NAYA Director of Finance Vega A. Tom wrote:
“We understand the desire to garner information about a past employee, but it is our policy to not disclose employee information without written consent from employee for confidentiality and security reasons. But as a matter of policy, practice and compliance, we conduct robust background checks and have grievance and recourse processes, which ensure we would not hire someone nor continue to employ a staff person with major criminal convictions or internal policy violations.”
If you have any information about Laverdure, or if you or someone you know have been the victim of child abuse and you would like to speak with an attorney for a free consultation, please call our confidential number at 503-616-5007, or you can send us a confidential email at ashley@dumasandvaughn.com or on our contact page.