Search warrant leads to arrest of Halfway Man for child sexual abuse
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, July 10th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — (Release from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office) On July 9, 2025, law enforcement personnel from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Halfway, Oregon. The subject of the search warrant, Zachariah Scott Peer (41 yoa), was arrested and charged with Sodomy I, Sexual Abuse I (x3), and Unlawful Sexual Penetration I (x2).
The search warrant stemmed from an investigation that began in June 2025, when the Baker County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding the sexual abuse of a child. Deputies interviewed the adult victim, who disclosed that she was abused as a child by a Halfway, Oregon resident identified as Peer.
During the investigation, deputies discovered that there were additional victims ranging in age from infant to teenagers. The alleged abuse had been occurring for decades.
Deputies applied for a search warrant, which was granted and executed at Peer’s residence. Peer was transported and lodged at the Baker County Jail. This case will be presented to a Grand Jury, where additional charges may be filed.
This is an ongoing, multi-jurisdictional investigation. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this investigation.
It is believed that there are additional victims who have yet to come forward. Peer has admitted to traveling to the following states: Washington, California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. If you have information about this case, please contact Deputy Bobby Henshaw at 541-523-6415 ext. 0.
Oregon House Bill 3273 prevents law enforcement from releasing booking photos except in specified circumstances. The release of Peer’s booking photo is for law enforcement purposes for the identification of additional criminal activity and is in accordance with House Bill 3273.
