Arson suspect is awaiting trial for sex crimes in Walla Walla County

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – A Walla Walla man arrested Friday by Oregon State Police for allegedly lighting fires along Interstate 84 south of La Grande is also awaiting trial in Walla Walla County for allegedly committing crimes against a child.

Eduardo Saldana Villegas, 37, is charged with first-degree rape of a child, second-degree rape of a child, second-degree child molestation, and unlawful imprisonment.

According to court documents, the charges are related to alleged abuse the took place between July 2016 and July 2020, then again in April 2022 at a residence in Touchet.

Villegas was arrested in May 2022, days after the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office conducted a forensic interview with the victim. His trial in this case is scheduled to begin April 16. As for his most recent arrest in Oregon, he is charged with arson, reckless burning, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and criminal mischief.