A caregiver at an Oregon care facility has been arrested on felony sexual abuse charges after detectives found evidence he sexually abused an elderly female resident while on duty — and investigators say they believe there may be additional victims.
According to KATU News, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a care facility in the Raleigh Hills area of Oregon after staff contacted police out of concern that a resident had been sexually abused by an employee. A detective from the Violent Crimes Unit was called to lead the investigation.
The suspect, 25-year-old Oscar Marquez-Alonso, had been employed as a caregiver at the facility for approximately one month at the time of the incident. Detectives found evidence that Marquez-Alonso sexually abused an elderly female resident while he was working. He was arrested and lodged at the Washington County Jail on two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree and one count of sodomy in the first degree.
The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives stated they are concerned there are additional victims and released Marquez-Alonso’s booking photo under Oregon House Bill 3273 to help identify any further criminal activity. Anyone who may be a victim or has information is asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 503-846-2500, referencing case number 50-26-6407.
Sexual abuse by care facility employees is one of the most serious and underreported forms of elder abuse in the United States. Older adults living in residential care settings — particularly those with physical limitations, cognitive decline, or communication difficulties — are among the most vulnerable victims. Their dependence on caregivers for daily needs creates a power imbalance that bad actors can exploit, often with little fear of detection.
The fact that detectives in this case believe additional victims may exist — despite the suspect having worked at the facility for only one month — underscores a critical oversight failure. Facilities have a legal and ethical obligation to conduct thorough background screenings, provide ongoing supervision, and create environments where residents feel safe reporting concerns. When a new employee can commit serious felonies against a resident within weeks of being hired without detection, the system meant to protect that resident has failed.
Cases like this one are a reminder that the duty of care in a residential facility does not end at the front door. A facility’s responsibility extends to every employee it hires, supervises, and places in direct contact with residents — and to every moment those residents are in their care. When that duty is breached and a resident is harmed, the facility itself may bear legal responsibility for the harm caused. If you believe a family member has been abused by a staff member at a care facility, contact us to speak with one of our experienced attorneys about your rights and options.
