Former Gresham Police Officer Charged with Rape, Child Sex Abuse Flees After Removing Ankle Monitor

Hector Carranza, who faces 56 criminal charges, is considered a danger to the community and remains at large.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:21pm by Ben Kaplan

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken electronic monitoring bracelet against a pitch-black background, capturing the device's intricate details and textures under harsh, direct lighting to create a gritty, investigative aesthetic.A broken electronic monitoring bracelet serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in keeping high-risk defendants under close supervision.Portland Today

A former Gresham police officer charged with 56 counts of rape, sodomy, child sex abuse, and luring minors has gone missing after removing his electronic monitoring bracelet. Hector Carranza, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, posted bail and was placed on electronic monitoring following his arrest in August 2025. Authorities have been unable to locate him since he removed the device on or around March 21, 2026, and he is now considered a danger to the public.

Why it matters

The case raises concerns about the effectiveness of electronic monitoring and bail policies for individuals accused of serious sex crimes, especially those with positions of public trust like law enforcement officers. The public is at risk until Carranza is apprehended, and the incident may prompt reviews of procedures for monitoring high-risk defendants.

The details

Carranza, a former Gresham police officer, was indicted by a grand jury last summer on 56 criminal charges, including rape, sodomy, child sex abuse, and luring minors. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on bail with electronic monitoring after his arrest in August 2025. However, on or around March 21, 2026, Carranza removed his ankle monitor and has since evaded authorities. The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office is now seeking the public's help in locating him, as he is considered a danger to the community.

  • Carranza was employed by the Gresham Police Department since 2014.
  • Police began investigating Carranza in November 2024 after receiving a complaint.
  • Carranza was immediately placed on administrative leave and later resigned from the department.
  • Carranza was arrested and arraigned in August 2025.
  • Carranza removed his electronic monitoring bracelet on or around March 21, 2026.

The players

Hector Carranza

A former Gresham police officer who is charged with 56 counts of rape, sodomy, child sex abuse, and luring minors. He is currently at large after removing his electronic monitoring bracelet and is considered a danger to the community.

Multnomah County District Attorney's Office

The office that indicted Carranza and is now seeking the public's help in locating him.

Gresham Police Department

The department that employed Carranza from 2014 until he was placed on administrative leave and later resigned in 2024 following a complaint and investigation.

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What’s next

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is actively searching for Carranza and is asking the public to contact them with any information about his whereabouts.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of monitoring high-risk defendants accused of serious sex crimes, especially those with positions of public trust. It raises questions about the effectiveness of electronic monitoring and bail policies, and the need for stricter measures to protect the public until such individuals can be brought to justice.