Jenkins to try one last child sex abuse case
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – Umatilla County Chief Deputy District Attorney Jaclyn Jenkins’ final trial before she leaves for a federal position begins today (Tuesday) in Judge Dan Hill’s courtroom in Hermiston. Jose Olivarez Fernandez, 59, of Hermiston faces multiple felonies in the child sex abuse case.
Jenkins has prosecuted almost all of the child sex abuse cases since she’s worked in the district attorney’s office. She said she learned quickly that crimes against children require more than a simple attorney.
“It requires a set of skills that I don’t think any other caseload does,” she said. “You are a supporter and a confidant and an advocate and a lawyer.”
Jenkins says victims in her cases have ranged in age from 6 to 15, and she marvels at the strength they show as they work through the trial process.
“You are helping people who have just been broken,” she said. “You watch them put themselves back together in front of you. That’s a gift.”
Fernandez was arrested by the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office in October after they received a report of suspected abuse. He is charged with first-degree sex abuse (assault with an object); first-degree unlawful sexual penetration; five counts of sodomy (incest); six counts of first-degree sex abuse (incest); six counts of using a child in sexual conduct; and one count of incest.
His bail is set at $1,130,000.
