Category Courts
Salem attorney slapped with record fine after citing case law hallucinated by AI
The Oregon Court of Appeals issued a $10,000 fine to Bill Ghiorso, a Salem-based civil attorney, after determining he signed his name to a legal brief containing 15 bogus citations and nine quotes “that had been contrived from thin air.”
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4 Oregon counties must submit to ICE subpoenas on 9 noncitizens, judge rules
Marion County has already provided information in response to ICE subpoenas following a court order, but the judge's ruling in the case didn't address the county's claims of conflict between state sanctuary and public records law.
Salem police, federal agents arrest two Salem men with ties to gang-related gun sales
Two men from Salem were arrested last week for their involvement in the selling of drugs and firearms and are accused of being connected to a local street gang. Federal agents conducted several undercover purchases in Salem and Portland before arresting the men.
Oregon gun law case awaits Supreme Court hearing
Oregon's highest court will take up Measure 114, the 2022 voter-approved ballot measure banning high capacity magazines and requiring firearm permits. The U.S. Supreme Court may soon hear a challenge to a similar California law.
Salem man sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for collecting child porn
A Salem man with previous convictions for sexual abuse was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to receiving child pornography. John C. Christensen was a registered sex offender when federal authorities identified him trading child pornography online.
State hospital worker who punched patient gets break from state judge
A mental health worker pleaded no contest in February to assaulting a patient at the Oregon State Hospital who he said attacked him. Judge Audrey Broyles dropped his charges anyway, citing dangerous conditions at the hospital. She told Salem Reporter the man committed no crime.
UGM stabbing suspect needs mental care at Oregon State Hospital to face charges, psychologist finds
The Bend man charged with stabbing 11 people at the Union Gospel Mission in June could be sent to the Oregon State Hospital for mental health care if a judge finds him unfit to face the charges against him. In a sealed report, a psychologist recommended that the man receive care at the state hospital for three months.
Accused Salem cartel kingpin faces new federal drug trafficking charges
A new federal indictment charged Heriberto Salazar Amaya with trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. Authorities say he ran a multi-state drug operation with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel from his east Salem house.
Salem man gets 11 years for trying to meet underage girls for sex acts
Gary Ronning, 40, sent sexual messages, photos and videos online to three undercover detectives posing as girls between the ages of 13 and 15. Federal prosecutors said Ronning arranged to meet with the girls but didn’t follow through.