Portland counselor sentenced for abusing teen refugee

Offender to serve home detention, probation for sexual abuse at resettlement shelter

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:45pm by Ben Kaplan

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An extreme close-up photograph of a set of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.A harsh, unforgiving image that captures the grim reality of abuse and the need for accountability at refugee resettlement facilities.Portland Today

A Portland counselor who sexually abused a 16-year-old refugee from Honduras at a resettlement shelter has been sentenced to one year of home detention with electronic monitoring and five years of federal probation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of refugee youth and the need for strict oversight and accountability at resettlement facilities to protect those seeking safety and a new start in the United States.

The details

The counselor, whose name is being withheld to protect the victim's identity, was employed at a Portland-area refugee resettlement shelter when the abuse occurred. The offender pleaded guilty to charges of sexual abuse of a minor and was sentenced by a federal judge on Thursday.

  • The abuse occurred at the Portland resettlement shelter in 2025.
  • The counselor was sentenced on April 2, 2026.

The players

Portland counselor

An employee at a Portland refugee resettlement shelter who sexually abused a 16-year-old refugee from Honduras in their care.

16-year-old refugee from Honduras

The victim of the sexual abuse by the Portland counselor at the resettlement shelter.

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What’s next

The counselor will serve one year of home detention with electronic monitoring and five years of federal probation as part of the sentence.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for rigorous screening, training, and oversight of staff at refugee resettlement facilities to protect vulnerable youth and ensure their safety and wellbeing.