Suspect Arrested for Sexual Assaults on Girls

Police are very interested in locating any other females who have been victimized by Leslie Eugene McGranahan, who has lived in the Salem area since 1995.

42-year old Leslie Eugene McGranahan

(SALEM) - Marion County Sheriff's Detectives, working with Detectives from the Salem Police Department have arrested a 42-year old transient and charged him with multiple counts of sexual misconduct.

Leslie Eugene McGranahan was arrested by Salem Police at the Roadway Inn, 3340 Astoria Way NE, on Tuesday afternoon. Salem Police learned of his whereabouts and contacted him at the hotel. He was arrested without incident on a probable cause statement on file with our Office. McGranahan came to the attention of law enforcement when his name was mentioned by a 16-year old female runaway after she was found by Salem Police. She told detectives that McGranahan routinely traded drugs and alcohol for sex with underaged females. It was determined that the offenses occurred in the county area of Salem, so the case was transferred to the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Detective Ted Burwell's investigation revealed that McGranahan would approach young girls between the ages of 12 and 16 when he saw them in public areas at night. Most of the victims were girls who had run away from their homes and were vulnerable to being approached. Over a period of several months, McGranahan approached different girls in the parking lot of Wal-Mart on North Lancaster Drive in Salem. He would befriend them offer them rides, and then coerce them into trading sex for drugs, alcohol and a place to stay. Some of the attacks occurred in a room of a mobile home McGranahan rented on Surfwood Drive, NE in Salem.

Leslie Eugene McGranahan

McGranahan is described as a white male, 5'-6", 190 pounds, currently has long reddish brown hair, with many piercings and tattoos. He has cut his hair shorter in the past. He is known to drive an unknown make, white mini van with a mattress in the back or a 1985 Ford van, green in color with gold graphics on the sides and larger side windows. This van was professionally converted and looks like a camper style van (photo upper left). McGranahan was booked into the Marion County Jail, charged with one count of Rape 2, two counts of Rape 3, one count of sex abuse 2, one count of Possessing Methamphetamine, and four counts of Delivering Methamphetamine to a Minor. He's being held without bail. His next court date is November 21st at 8:30am. The Marion County Sheriff's Office investigated McGranahan for similar allegations in 1995. We were not able to develop enough evidence to charge him at that time. Given the nature of these offenses, and the pattern of his behavior, it is reasonable to believe that his behavior has been on-going. We are very interested in locating any other females who have been victimized by McGranahan. McGranahan has lived in the Salem area since 1995. If you have information about him, or wish to report a crime involving him, please contact Detective Ted Burwell, at Tburwell@co.marion.or.us or call 503.316.6605. Contact Info: Don Thomson Phone: 503.932.8002 Email: Dthomson@co.marion.or.us

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