Former Milton-Freewater resident dies in prison

By Terry Murry on Monday, April 6th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PORTLAND – Clarence Frank Bettencourt, formerly of Milton-Freewater, died at the age of 81 Friday. He was incarcerated at Columbia River Correctional Institution and the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) announced that he died at an area hospital.

Bettencourt entered DOC custody on Oct. 16, 2002. His earliest release date was May 17, 2037.

Bettencourt was convicted in Umatilla County Circuit Court in a jury trial on 42 charges of sex crimes against a child. Of the charges, eight were Class A sex crimes, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

In addition to testimony from his victim, DNA evidence from her was found in Bettencourt’s bedroom.

The news release from DOC stated the department takes all in-custody deaths seriously.

“The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state,” the release reads. “While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.”

Photo of Columbia River Correctional Institution, the minimum security prison where Bettencourt was housed via DOC.