Byram goes into details about property crimes
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Having a detective dedicated to focusing on property crimes in Pendleton is paying off for the department. Police Chief Chuck Byram goes into detail about a series of arrests:
Walter Seth COX (37 years-old)
Between August 2023 to January 2024 the Pendleton Police Department Detective unit has been investigating several burglaries in our area. These cases have been investigated in coordination with other area law enforcement agencies. Det. Chase Addleman has worked directly with the Umatilla County District Attorney’s office on over eight (8) cases in which Walter Seth Cox suspected as being involved. These cases include burglaries (residential and commercial property), vehicle theft, theft, and assaults. Currently Walter Seth Cox is being held on charges of Aggravated Theft I, Felon in Possession of Weapon, with additional charges pending. Tara Jeanette Mitchell (42 years-old) is a suspected co-conspirator and has been charged with Aggravated Theft I, with other charges likely to come.
Adam Kyle MENTZER (42 years-old)
Between February 2024 to April of 2024 the Pendleton Police Department Detective unit has been investigating another suspect in several burglaries. Detectives identified Adam Kyle Mentzer as a suspect in these cases. Det. Chase Addleman has worked directly with the Umatilla County District Attorney’s office on over ten (10) cases in which MENTZER is allegedly involved. These cases include burglaries (residential and commercial), aggravated theft and felon in possession of firearms. Due to the nature of these complex burglary cases the Pendleton Police Department Detective Unit is working closely with the Oregon State Police Crime Laboratory with the goal of holding multiple people that are associated with the case accountable.
The Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges thus far on Adam Kyle Mentzer. It is likely more charges will come as the investigation into Mentzer’s activities is still ongoing. The charges filed against Mentzer are as follows:
Count l: BURGLARY IN THE FIRST DEGREE –
Count 2: AGGRAVATED THEFT IN THE FIRST DEGREE – FELONY
Count 3: Attempted BURGLARY IN THE FIRST DEGREE – FELONY
Count 4: BURGLARY IN THE FIRST DEGREE –
Count 5: AGGRAVATED THEFT IN THE FIRST DEGREE – FELONY
Count 6: THEFT IN THE FIRST DEGREE – FELONY
Count 7: CRIMINAL MISCHIEF IN THE FIRST DEGREE –
Count 8: CONSPIRACY -TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE –
MISDEMEANOR
Count 9: THEFT IN THE SECOND DEGREE – MISDEMEANOR
Count 10: FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM – FELONY
Christopher Scott PAUL (33 years-old)
Between December 2023 to April of 2024 the Pendleton Police Department Detective unit has been investigating Christopher Scott PAUL as a suspect in another series of burglaries. Det. Chase Addleman has worked directly with the Umatilla County District Attorney’s office on two complex cases involving residential burglaries. These cases involved the estimated theft of over $375,000.00 in property and a substantial number of firearms. Due to the nature of these complex burglary cases the Pendleton Police Department Detective Unit is working closely with the Oregon State Police Crime Laboratory with the goal of holding multiple people that are associated with the case accountable.
Below is what the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges on thus far. It is likely more charges will come as the investigation into PAUL’s activities is still ongoing.
Count l: BURGLARY IN THE FIRST DEGREE – FELONY
Count 2: BURGLARY IN THE FIRST DEGREE – FELONY
Count 3: BURGLARY IN THE FIRST DEGREE – FELONY
Count 4: BURGLARY IN THE SECOND DEGREE –
Count 5: AGGRAVATED THEFT IN THE FIRST DEGREE – FELONY
Count 6: AGGRAVATED THEFT IN THE FIRST DEGREE – FELONY
Count 7: THEFT IN THE FIRST DEGREE – FELONY
Count 8: FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM – FELONY
Thomas Elton Davis, Jr. (43 years old)
Between March of 2024 to April 2024 the Pendleton Police Department Detective unit has been investigating Thomas Elton DAVIS, Jr. as a suspect in several burglaries. Det. Chase Addleman has worked directly with the Umatilla County District Attorney’s office on two complex cases involving residential burglaries. These cases involved the estimated theft of over $375,000.00 of property and a substantial number of firearms. Below is what the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges on thus far. It is likely more charges will come as the investigation into DAVIS’ activities are still ongoing.
1 count of 164.225- BURGLARY I (OTHER STRUCTURES) [Felony] Bail: $25000
1 count of 164.215- BURGLARY II (OTHER STRUCTURES) [Felony] Bail: $0
1 count of 161.405- ATTEMPT TO COMMIT CRIME [Felony] Bail: $0
1 count of 164.225- BURGLARY I (OTHER STRUCTURES) [Felony] Bail: $25000
1 count of 161.450- CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY [Felony] Bail: $0
1 count of 164.235- BURGLARY TOOLS IN POSSESSION [Misdemeanor] Bail: $0
1 count of 164.225- BURGLARY I (OTHER STRUCTURES) [Felony] Bail: $0
1 count of 164.235- BURGLARY TOOLS IN POSSESSION [Misdemeanor] Bail: $0
1 count of 164.354- CRIMINAL MISCHIEF II (VANDALISM) [Misdemeanor] Bail: $0
Due to the nature of property crimes investigation these above-mentioned suspects/cases are ever evolving. Property crimes case are often like a spider web of information, with several suspects, co-conspirators and victims. The Pendleton Police Department Detective Unit is committed to the mission of holding people accountable, finding the never-ending surplus of victim’s property and connecting anyone that is responsible no matter how small their role. The Pendleton Police Department Detective Unit will continue to work in conjunction with the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office on these matters in an effort to hold those responsible accountable for the illegal activity.
