Polk County District Attorney

05/28/2026

Always great to be out in our community and support an outstanding partner like Liberty House!

THURSDAY TOWN TRIPPER Independence, Ore. May 28, 2026. This week, representatives from Liberty House in Salem met at the Independence Civic Event Center to share news of the nonprofit, which is launching a "Hope" fundraising campaign. Liberty House assists the healing of children and families in Polk and Marion Counties who need that support. At left is Alison Kelley, Liberty House chief executive officer and on right is Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton.

05/24/2026

Wishing you and your family a safe and peaceful Memorial Day weekend as we remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

05/22/2026

JURY FINDS INDEPENDENCE MAN GUILTY OF R**E, SO**MY.

DALLAS (OR) – Kayin Alexander Carillo, 26, has been sentenced to serve 37 months (3 years, 1 month) in prison for r**e and so**my of a minor female victim in 2021.

Carillo, of Independence, was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso, after a two-day jury trial concluded on May 21. The 12-person jury found Carillo guilty of R**e in the Third Degree and So**my in the Third Degree. Judge Caso imposed the presumptive sentences under Oregon law and for the time to be served consecutively to a prison sentence Carillo is currently serving. He will also be required to serve a two-year term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release and register as a s*x offender.

The case was investigated by the Independence Police Department and prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen.

05/20/2026

DALLAS TO DALLAS
This week several members of our office are attending the National Conference on Crimes Against Women in Dallas, Texas. This is the premier national training that brings together leading experts who explore the various facets of these heinous crimes and provide the most cutting-edge, relevant, and creative tools that criminal justice professionals can implement in their daily work.

05/19/2026

SALEM MAN SENTENCED TO OVER TEN YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER.

DALLAS (OR) – Daniel Ray Myers, 63, has been sentenced to serve 130 months (10 years, 10 months) in prison for stabbing and assaulting a Salem woman multiple times in February of 2026. Myers, originally of Dallas, was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso, after pleading guilty to Attempted Murder and Assault in the First Degree. He will also be required to serve a 36-month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release. Myers has prior convictions for murder, unlawful possession of weapons, and supplying contraband.

Judge Caso sentenced Myers pursuant to Oregon’s Ballot Measure 11 minimum mandatory sentencing law, which means he will not be eligible for any early release or other program that would result in a reduction of his sentence. Myers initially fled to California where he was apprehended through a coordinated law enforcement operation and extradited back to Oregon.

The case was prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen. The DA’s Office commends the victim for her resilience throughout the case, in particular her strong statement at sentencing. We also recognize the thorough investigations of the Salem Police Department and California Highway Patrol.

05/15/2026

Congratulations, Chief!
You’ve always set a high standard of leadership for our community. We’re privileged to work with you and your department.

05/08/2026

We kicked off spring today with our annual office plant exchange! Thanks to everyone that participated and helped spread the blooms! 🌼🪻🌺

05/08/2026

INDEPENDENCE MAN CONVICTED IN SEXUAL ABUSE CASE.

DALLAS (OR) – Today, a Polk County judge found Enrique Canales, age 42, guilty on all charges related to his s*xual abuse of an adult family member. Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen prosecuted this case before Circuit Judge pro tem Timothy R. Park.

In 2025, the victim reported three acts of abuse to the Independence Police Department. Based on the ensuing investigation, police arrested Canales, of Independence, that same day. In February of 2026, Canales failed to appear for his first scheduled trial. Today, Judge Park also found Canales guilty of Contempt of Court for that matter.

The Polk County District Attorney’s Office commends the victim for bravery in reporting this abuse. This office also acknowledges the hard work of the Independence Police Department.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 26 at 9:00.

04/30/2026

From the Oregon Department of Justice:

Oregon DOJ ICAC Task Force and Polk County DA Announce Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges Against Independence Man; Two Additional Indictments Obtained

Salem, OR — The Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Polk County District Attorney’s Office today announced the arrest of an Independence man on child s*xual abuse material charges following a joint investigation. Two additional indictments in separate ICAC cases were also obtained by the Polk County Grand Jury.

“Protecting children from exploitation is one of the most important things we can do,” said Attorney General Dan Rayfield. “These cases are a reminder that this threat is everywhere – in every community, on everyday apps and platforms. I’m proud of the ICAC team’s work and for the partnership with DA Felton and local law enforcement in Polk County.”

"As District Attorney, I place the highest priority on protecting children in Polk County from exploitation,” said Aaron Felton, Polk County District Attorney. “I am grateful for the commitment of AG Rayfield to that shared value, which is reflected by our strong partnership in this joint investigation."

40-year-old Eric Steven Spier, of Independence, was taken into custody this morning following the ex*****on of a search and arrest warrant at his residence. The arrest was carried out by the Oregon DOJ ICAC Task Force with the assistance of the Oregon State Police and the Independence Police Department.

Spier was indicted by a Polk County Grand Jury on ten counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. The charges stem from multiple cyber tips received by law enforcement reporting that Spier had uploaded child s*xual abuse material (CSAM) to electronic service providers. Investigators subsequently obtained search warrants for Spier’s accounts and discovered numerous CSAM images.

Spier is scheduled for arraignment 1:15pm today in Polk County Circuit Court.

In addition to the Spier case, the Oregon DOJ ICAC Task Force obtained indictments against two other individuals on ICAC charges following a Polk County Grand Jury presentation on April 28. Details in those cases will be released following the service of arrest warrants.

The Oregon DOJ ICAC Task Force investigates internet crimes against children, including the possession, production, and distribution of child s*xual abuse material.

04/29/2026

Today, members from our office are wearing denim with a purpose to support survivors and educate others about the prevention of s*xual violence. Denim Day is a reminder that there is no excuse and never an invitation to r**e. For more information about Denim Day and its history, go to https://denimday.org/why-denim.

If you or someone you know is in need of resources, please use these local resources to get support:
Center for Hope and Safety: 503-399-7722
Sable House: 503-623-4033
Warriors of Hope: 971-241-3594