Former federal prison guard sentenced for sexually abusing West Salem child

Peter Nicholas Fles Jr. pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree sex abuse and will serve over 12 years in prison.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying a sense of gritty, investigative justice.The harsh flash photography of a key piece of evidence in the case against a former federal prison guard highlights the serious nature of the crimes committed.Sheridan Today

A Polk County Circuit Court judge sentenced a 41-year-old Salem man and former federal prison guard, Peter Nicholas Fles Jr., to 12 years and 5 months in prison for sexually abusing a child under 12 in West Salem. Fles pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree sex abuse, and the judge also ordered him to serve 45 months of post-prison supervision and register as a sex offender.

Why it matters

The case highlights the abuse of power and trust when someone in a position of authority, such as a prison guard, commits sexual crimes against a child. It also underscores the importance of victims reporting abuse and the justice system holding perpetrators accountable, even in cases involving public officials.

The details

According to the Polk County District Attorney's office, a Polk County grand jury initially indicted Fles on four counts of first-degree sexual abuse, one count of first-degree sodomy, and one count of incest in September 2024. However, two of the sexual abuse charges and the sodomy and incest charges were later dismissed. Fles pleaded no contest to the remaining two counts of first-degree sex abuse.

  • Fles was indicted by a Polk County grand jury on September 19, 2024.
  • Fles was sentenced by a Polk County Circuit Court judge on April 14, 2026.

The players

Peter Nicholas Fles Jr.

A 41-year-old Salem man and former guard at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan, Oregon, who pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree sex abuse of a child under 12 in West Salem.

Polk County District Attorney's Office

The prosecuting authority that handled the case against Fles and commended the victim for reporting the abuse.

Polk County Circuit Court

The court that sentenced Fles to 12 years and 5 months in prison, 45 months of post-prison supervision, and ordered him to register as a sex offender.

Salem Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the case against Fles.

Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan

The federal prison where Fles was employed as a guard at the time of his arrest.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Peter Nicholas Fles Jr. out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences for public officials who abuse their positions of trust and authority to commit sexual crimes against children. It underscores the importance of victims coming forward and the justice system holding perpetrators accountable, even in cases involving those in positions of power.