SOCET Serves Child Sexual Abuse Material Search Warrant in Rural Central Point
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant Tuesday morning in rural Central Point. Investigators served the search warrant after discovering Child Sexual Abuse Material images were uploaded from the address. Investigators interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing. SOCET served the search warrant December 2 at a mobile home park in the 300 block of West Gregory Road in Central Point. SOCET began the investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force for further evidence of child exploitation. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses as the investigation moves forward. No further details will be released at this time. ...Read more

Generosity Helps Salvation Army Grants Pass Experience Unprecedented Growth

This year, The Salvation Army Grants Pass experienced unprecedented growth, serving nearly 5,000 people, up from just 1,500 last year, a 230% increase. With families lined up and 122,000 pounds of food distributed, the Corps urgently needed to expand and reorganize its food pantry to meet the demand. After learning about the need, Mason Smith, whose global platform reaches millions and who has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and been honored with a Webby Award, used his influence to uplift the local effort. What began as a simple introduction soon became an outpouring of nationwide support, with Lowe’s donating 18 industrial shelves. Mason repainted and refreshed the pantry, adding a new accent wall, while his national sponsors, including Tree Top, Olipop, and Lesser Evil, donated snacks and drinks for families. Monetary donations came in to help stock the pantry, and Mason returned days later with a truckload of toys to support four children through Angel Tree. Captain Yohani, Corps Officer, said that because of what Mason and everyone he inspired did, the Salvation Army Grants Pass pantry is equipped to serve thousands more families. ...Read more

Engagement Letter with Law Firm Approved, AP Reports for Invoices Requested

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners, after previously being served court documents, approved without objection to execute an engagement letter with a law firm and attorney. During Tuesday's workshop, Commissioner Andreas Blech said he had directed staff to find a law firm and attorney to represent the board after learning Legal Counsel will not in this case. In Department Business, the board requested the Finance department provide AP reports of invoices for clarification purposes before the checks were cut. Further discussion will continue at the next admin meeting. Invoices were approved for Finance, Public Works, Airports, and for the Sheriff's Office's license plate camera provider Flock Safety, which would be paid through the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant. The Sheriff's request for Joint Law Enforcement Operations Task Force Operations Funding, which could help overtime coverage, was approved by the board, as well as the Community Justice Department's amendment to the Adapt for Outpatient and Peer services agreement and their Options contract payment. ...Read more