Man Guilty on 46 Counts Related to Sex Crimes Against Girlfriend

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Donald Gosney was convicted Friday of 46 counts in a Washington County Court for sexually assaulting his girlfriend while he kept her trapped in their apartment for several days.

It began on August 21st 2007 when Washington County Sheriff's deputies responded to the 4400 block of S.W. 99th Avenue to investigate an assault. This area is outside the city of Beaverton and is part of the Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District.

Sgt. David Thompson with the Washington County Sheriff says at that location, a woman reported, initially to a probation officer who then called the Sheriff's Office that her boyfriend had sexually assaulted her and kept her locked in their apartment for several days.

"When deputies arrived, the victim told them that she was living with Donald Allen Gosney and that over the course of several weeks he had assaulted her physically and sexually."

Thompson says that according to the deputies, the victim was covered with bruises and other marks indicating that she had been assaulted multiple times.

"The victim told investigators that she and Mr. Gosney used methamphetamine together. She said that Mr. Gosney would become violent and paranoid when he used meth. He became so paranoid that he nailed the doors shut in a bedroom where he kept the victim captive against her will.

"He sexually assaulted her multiple times; he physically assaulted her by striking her and biting her; and, at one point, he head-butted the victim and knocked her unconscious."

The victim told investigators that she was terrified of Mr. Gosney and was afraid to report the incidents for fear of retribution, Thompson added.

Investigators talked to Mr. Gosney's probation officer who told them he was on parole for committing rape and kidnapping in the past. Detectives later learned that Gosney spent over seven years in prison for a 1999 conviction in Multnomah County. He was convicted for crimes he committed in a case where he barricaded a female victim in a bedroom, and then raped and assaulted her. He was released on parole in October 2006.

Gosney was arrested and charged with a parole violation and other crimes related to the assault.

Last Friday, Donald Gosney was convicted of 22 counts of Sex Abuse I, 22 counts of Unlawful Sexual Penetration I, Strangulation, and Assault IV. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, February 13th at 8:30 AM at the Washington County Courthouse.

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Rob Edwards May 8, 2023 8:06 pm (Pacific time)

I met Donny at Grant HS in Portland. We became close friends, and rather inseparable for a few years. I knew his brothers, his sisters, his parents, his wife, and his kids. I knew Uncle John. I knew Betty and Chet. I helped build the backyard deck at his parent's house on 14th, and lived there for a time as well. I was a groomsman at his wedding. I also knew Cynthia from Rogue River. I too was curious what happened to my old friend, and when I found out this news, I couldn't understand it. We both had a rough and rocky adolescence, and did our fair share of mischief, along with drug experimentation. That being said, this wasn't the Donny I knew. Donny was a kind, funny, giving person, always there for his family and friends. The person who committed these crimes was a man suffering from a terrible drug addiction that clearly mentally impaired him, adversely affecting his judgement and actions. Coupled with the trauma that he too faced as a child and juvenile, I find it unconscionable that the Courts gave him what amounts to a life sentence. They clearly disregarded the mitigating factors in this case, and only focused on the aggravating factors. 10 years, 20 years, even 30 years, I could maybe understand. A life sentence is a travesty of justice. I will be reaching out to him through the penal system, and to his family that I can locate, and offering any help I can to pursue avenues of finding ways to appeal his case. I will also check back here to see if anyone responds to this. If anyone knows how to contact his family, brothers, sisters, kids, please get in touch with me. I live back in the Portland area now. 360-595-7362

Jeff Miller July 20, 2021 4:33 pm (Pacific time)

I met Don back in 88 and he had a wonderful wife with a wonderful daughter...I saw his family grow with another son and daughter...He was the most loving and kind soul that I had ever met...we hung out and laughed and had great times at his house and mine...I knew that he was getting into math, and I started seeing a different side of him that I didn't like, but in saying that, I never lost hope in him...My wife and i were going to move in with him back in 07, but then we lost total contact with him...so i started googling his name, and i found out about this latest incident...no matter what anyone says, being abused as a child and doing meth will totally alter who you truly are, and it's extremely sad!!! I hate that they gave him the time that they did,but i know the crime was commited... I still love this Brother, and always will!!! Gods love is beyond our comprehension, and as a follower of Christ Jesus, I will always love and forgive Don!!! I love you Broman, and your always in my prayers!!!

Anonymous August 4, 2020 3:53 pm (Pacific time)

I did time with Don from 2016-2018 at OSCI . He was probably one of the best people I met locked-up. Willing to help anyone if he could without expecting anything in return, considerate, trustworthy, generic, funny, desintlly intelligent,regretful for his past mistakes,and loving father, etc. He didn't tell me about the first conviction which I can understand why,but it makes it rather hard not to believe he didn't rape someone.Don told me before he took it to the box the DA offered him a plea bargain for 10 years, but believing he didn't do anything wrong thought he would be acquitted at trial. If this is true something is broken in our justice system if you can walk away with 10 years for keeping your mouth shut and doing the time the state offers you, but if you claim your innocence and loss you'll get a life sentences? That's simply twisted. The alleged victim story of being held captive, but only on the weekends sounds a bit questionable as well

Miles Swain September 2, 2012 1:08 am (Pacific time)

Donny, Donny, Donny..... What happened to you. We were best friends from Middle School thru High School.....6 years or so....I spent nights at your families home and you spent time at mine. We were inseparable for a time. Then we went separate ways and I eventually moved to Los Angeles. And I read this about you. Find strength in your family and your children. Empower yourself and fight to get back your life. It's never too late. You can do it! Drugs can do horrible things to someone. You've had enough tragedy already to last a lifetime. Sorry about your mom, so sad. And your father....please find that thing in your life that will empower you to overcome all this. Love, Miles Swain

A long lost friend... March 3, 2012 6:54 am (Pacific time)

Let it stand as a testament to my friend Donny that I found this page while searching for him on the internet in hopes of finding him because I missed him. We did time together in 2000 and 2001 and him and I were inseparable for well over a year before I was released. We have obviously lost contact and I am greatly saddened to have stumbled upon him in such a way and yet having read this page and all the comments left before me I feel I must also speak my piece... He is one of the nicest guys I know and yet I can only say I knew him while he was in recovery and free from the demons that feed on so many. I owe much of the strength I gained in my recovery to this man and am saddened to think that had we kept in touch I could have returned some of that strength to him in his time of need... If anyone receives notice of my comment please pass my love and support to him... also let him know from the last day I saw him upon my release I never went back nor gave them a single reason to take my freedom away again and that's partly due to him and all I learned from him and our teachers in our time at EOCI in the STEPs program. Tommy Lee Morgan

Knew Don July 5, 2011 1:09 am (Pacific time)

I met done in Jail in january 2007. At this time he was in the middle of his case awaiting the outcome. I only knew the sober Don, and only for a few weeks, but during that time frame he seemed like a nice caring individual- someone who would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it. Meth does crazy thing to people, and its unfortunate what everyone involved is going through. He told me, "the only thing I'm guilty of is using drugs." Considering the character of the so-called victim and my experience talking with Don I struggle to believe he did the things mentioned above... only reason I can come up with is Meth, and that's sad.

Donald's' sister Mary, May 23, 2011 11:15 pm (Pacific time)

I can assure you that none of the women that had children with him feel sorry for themselves! All of his children have grown up to be wonderful human beings! I am so glad they are here! There father has always loved and wanted ALL this children!!!!He has had such a hard life s tarting at 12 yrs, and has experienced more than his victim has or could eve imagine! Who are we to judge and not forgive if God can??? Like my niece said my brother has always had the biggest heart I've ever know and would give anyone the shirt off his back. He is one of the most gental people i know. He deserves unconditional love and I know there are some of us that do and will always love him that way! I love you little brother!!!God bless you and those that judge you!

Don's Daugther May 19, 2011 8:45 pm (Pacific time)

To donalds lost daughter. We want you to know that you do have family here and we would like to get to know you. Please contact us any of us.

daughter May 18, 2011 8:16 pm (Pacific time)

where do i start? I do love this man...i find no reason to hate him or judge him. I am in no way saying what he did is excusable either. But I see and love him as a WHOLE person, and it is truely hard to have someone you love and admire hurt so much and hurt others and have taken away from you. No he obviously isnt the most perfectly "healthy" person, but he was always LOVING to me and i will never forget that. He was never agressive or abusive in anyway to me, he had so much patients with us kids, he was the kind of father you could talk to about anything without fear or judgement and you would always recieve words of wisdom, he always understood what we were going through.and he'd be the first one to cheer you up and put a smile on your face and explain the right thing to do but with gentleness and love. He wanted to help people and guide and teach them. Granted this is the sober minded dad..but I would not be the person i am today without the influences of this man. Both good and bad! I love him deeply and feel really bad for him. we all have pain in us...and he had a lot of it, as he was a victim himself.He was coping through life, unfortunatley in very self destroying ways. I get really upset that he was victimized as a child, that my dad, the smart, loving, funny person i knew, had his life basically destroyed from it. that he felt so bad inside that he ruined his own life. but just like i try and see him as a whole person, i assume his victomizer(s) were too victims and "children" with pain. People like this NEED LOVE!!! this is whats missing and what was always missing from them, the worst thing we can do as people both to others and ourselves is withhold LOVE. Thats what gets people here in the first place. We need to stop these patterns!! No my dad isnt' perfect, and yes he needs help..we all do, and yes there should be consequences...i know many victims that didnt turn around and victimize in this degree..but apparently some people do and i love him too, no matter what!! I will be at least one person in his life that loves him unconditionally!especially since he gave that to many people in his life, he deserves and needs that in return. He is a whole person with both good and bad qualities, just like every person alive. he's Not excusable...but he is LOVABLE!

Donald's "long lost result of a rape April 21, 2011 11:44 am (Pacific time)

Why don't we hear about her being charged with anything seeing as she admited to being on drugs too? Was is her word against his? To Donald's sister-I wish I could have met your brother. I have talked to his daughter and she talked about how nice he was and how much she loved him. If you see this and ever do talk to him or write him please do me a favor. Tell him I am ok, Cynthia gave me to a great family and someday I might get out one of the thousands of letters I've already wrote him.

Cynthia April 19, 2011 8:15 am (Pacific time)

I wanted to mention that I did forgive him and he is a lost soul. I never used Meth with him. I feel sorry for the many wome that had kids because of him. I for one.

Cynthia April 19, 2011 8:13 am (Pacific time)

I was one of this mans victims. This man is very scarry! I lived my life hoping he would be put in prison so my family would be protected.

September 15, 2010 2:17 am (Pacific time)

they are human. if god forgives so can we.They are not animals they need help.

Donanlds' sister September 15, 2010 2:16 am (Pacific time)

You are wrong,he may be lost but none of Gods children are losers.Knowing him as I do , I do know that this behavior was learned,but only took place when he was under the influence of drugs.No, It doesn't make it right, but it does give a little insite of how /why. His girlfriend also used meth.She has tried to conact him through family members in the past.Who does that when they have been abused?It's too bad he didn't get the help he needed the first time it happened.Drugs and abuse cause many victums, including the offender and his family. We carry sorrow for the victums,embaressmentandshame,anger, but we also love the offender too. He/they are our family/people, and that will never change. If God can forgive us why can't we forgive each other. I love you little brother!

cynic February 13, 2008 11:38 am (Pacific time)

both using meth... He obviously beat this woman granted he is a loser... deserves to be in jail. but supposedly this occured over 11 seprate weekends with a full week between them.... so he locks her in the apartment and beats and rapes her 10 times and she says nothing but the 11th time it is too much and she turns him in. I don't buy it. I think he beat the crap out of her one too many times high on meth and she used his prior conviction to get even. We all know how honest these meth heads are. If he locked her in how did she report him. no story indicates she escaped just that she told her probation officer about the assualts and that police were called in. Yes he is scum and deserves to be in jail as he is not a nice person and addicted to meth. but what about his girlfriend. what makes her so believable......?????? Lock them both up and get them off the drugs and then lets see who they really are and go from there.....

Hope February 6, 2008 10:41 pm (Pacific time)

THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO BELONG IN JAIL. PERHAPS IF LAW ENFORCEMENT WOULD CONCENTRATE ON THESE PEOPLE INSTEAD OF THOSE ACCUSED OF NONVIOLENT CRIMES, OREGON MIGHT BE A LOT SAFER.

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Man Guilty on 46 Counts Related to Sex Crimes Against Girlfriend

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