SALEM, Ore. – April 2, 2026 — The Marion County District Attorney’s Office announced a series of convictions this week in cases involving crimes affecting children and families in the community, underscoring District Attorney Paige Clarkson’s continued focus on prosecuting violent offenses, particularly those involving youth.
In State v. Arce, Elijah Galaviz (25CR43807), a Marion County jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict against Elijah Arce, 49. He was convicted of Kidnapping in the First and Second Degree, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Attempted Rape in the First Degree, and Attempted Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine.
Prosecutors said the incident occurred in northeast Salem, where Arce lured a young victim away from her home. After her parents reported her missing, officers with the Salem Police Department located the child with the assistance of a bloodhound. Sentencing is scheduled for April 17, 2026, in Marion County Circuit Court.
In a separate case, State v. Rieben, David Lewis (24CR66847), a jury found David Lewis Rieben, 58, guilty following a seven-day trial. Convictions include five counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the Second Degree, two counts of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, three counts of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, Sodomy in the Third Degree, and Incest.
According to prosecutors, the abuse occurred over several years and involved victims within Rieben’s household. Sentencing is scheduled for April 13, 2026.
In State v. Kammerer, Leroy (24CR27217 & 25CR67365), Leroy Kammerer, 50, pleaded guilty to Harassment, Assault in the Fourth Degree, and Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree. The charges stem from two separate incidents, including an assault that occurred in front of the defendant’s children and a separate case involving harassment of an underage victim on school grounds.
In another case, State v. Smith, Richard (25CR33559), Richard Smith, 78, was found guilty by a Marion County jury on one count of Harassment. The conviction stems from a parking lot incident witnessed by the victim’s daughter.
“Cases involving underage victims, particularly those involving sexual abuse, are among the most serious and impactful we handle,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. “I am proud of the work of this office and our investigatory partners. Our office works closely with law enforcement and child advocacy partners to hold offenders accountable and support victims.”
The cases were prosecuted by multiple deputy district attorneys within the Marion County DA’s Office. Officials said additional details will be released following upcoming sentencing hearings in the Arce and Rieben cases.
The District Attorney’s Office also expressed appreciation for law enforcement and community partners who contributed to the investigations and continue working to protect children in Marion County.
About the Author
Discover more from Right Now Oregon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
