Milton-Freewater man faces multiple child sexual abuse charges following grand jury indictment

By Dan Thesman on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

MILTON-FREEWATER — A 24-year-old man faces multiple felony charges following a lengthy investigation into allegations of unlawful sexual contact with minors, authorities said.

Santiago Robledo Lara was taken into custody May 18 after an Umatilla County grand jury returned an indictment charging him with four counts of first-degree sodomy, one count of attempted first-degree sodomy, and two counts of first-degree sexual abuse.

Milton-Freewater Police Chief Joe Shurtz said detectives conducted extensive interviews with victims and families during the investigation.

Lara was located and arrested on a felony warrant with assistance from the Walla Walla Regional Drug and Gang Task Force. Shurtz praised the courage of the victims and cooperation of community partners.

Lara is currently held in the Walla Walla County Jail.