Jefferson Archives
A living archive of stories from across Jefferson.
Luis Puga-Mendoza Sentenced to 12½ Years for Sexually Abusing Two Minors
Luis Puga-Mendoza, 42, has been sentenced to 12½ years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree sexual abuse involving two minor victims. The consecutive Measure 11 sentences must be served day-for-day without reductions.
Moenaert Sentenced to 50 Years for Sexually Abusing Two Children
Zach Patrick Moenaert was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to six felony sex crimes involving two children. Prosecutors said he abused the children over about six years and created numerous recordings documenting the abuse.
Balero Sentenced to More Than 13 Years for White City Shooting
Romualdo Angulo Balero has been sentenced to 158 months in prison for the 2024 shooting of a bicyclist near Colonial Mobile Estates in White City. A jury convicted him of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm and felon in possession of a firearm.
Former Eagle Point School Employee Sentenced to Jail, Ordered to Register as Sex Offender
An Eagle Point woman has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years of supervised probation after being convicted of third-degree sexual abuse and furnishing alcohol to a person under 21. The case began in 2024 and involved a victim who was 17 at the time, prosecutors said.
Gunfire, Armed Robbery Attempt Lead to Ashland Arrest
An Ashland man was arrested Wednesday following an attempted armed robbery investigation that began with reports of two men fighting in a Clover Lane parking lot. Police recovered two handguns, including one fitted with a homemade suppressor, and said a shot struck the victim’s van.
Woman Charged with Murder After Rural Central Point Shooting
Jackson County sheriff’s detectives are investigating after a 62-year-old man was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound inside a rural Central Point home. A 67-year-old woman who had been in a relationship with the victim was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Mitchell Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years in Meth Case
Allen Dale Mitchell, 62, was sentenced Tuesday to 116 months in prison after entering a no contest plea to unlawful delivery of methamphetamine. Prosecutors said a 2020 MADGE investigation led to the seizure of more than two pounds of methamphetamine in Central Point.
Wimer Woman Killed in Domestic Violence Shooting
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the death of Onalea Clay, 59, of Wimer, after authorities say a man reported shooting a woman during a domestic violence altercation at a rural Sykes Creek Road home.
McPherson Sentenced to 35 Years in Prospect Homicide, Animal Abuse Case
Chad McPherson has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty in a Prospect homicide case and a related animal abuse investigation, according to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
Elder Mistreatment Report Leads to Animal Neglect Case in Central Point
A Central Point elder mistreatment investigation has led to animal abuse and neglect charges after police say more than 60 cats were found inside a Valley Oak Boulevard home, including several that were deceased. Investigators said hazardous conditions required officers and animal control staff to wear protective suits and respirators.
MPD Investigates Animal Neglect Case
Medford police are investigating an animal neglect case after officers responding to a welfare check Thursday in the 1800 block of Roxy Ann Place found evidence that led to a search warrant. Investigators said multiple live and deceased cats were later located on the property, with Jackson County Animal Control taking custody of the surviving animals.
Medford Police Identify Homicide Victim, Arrest Suspect
Medford police have identified the woman killed in Tuesday’s fatal assault as 43-year-old Nicole Marie Dominguez. Investigators say 19-year-old Darius McCree-Santangelo was located about 20 minutes after the initial call and lodged at the Jackson County Jail on a second-degree murder charge.